WEST DECEMBER 2014 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

ABSOLUTELY WEST MAGAZINE ABSOLUTELY

ABSOLUTELY

WEST

ALL THE TRIMMINGS

DECEMBER 2014 / £3.95

TOP TABLE

CREATE YOUR OWN CENTREPIECE

FESTIVE FOOD FROM THE GINGER PIG

DECEMBER 2014 FASHION • SHOPPING • FOOD & DRINK • WHAT’S ON • CULTURE • KIDS • INTERIORS • PROPERTY

JERRY HALL

WHY EVERYONE LOVES A PANTO

WRAP IT UP

WWW.ZEST-MEDIA.COM

THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT Chiswick_Dec_Covers.indd 2

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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

St Leonards Road, W13

£2,750,000 Freehold

SALE NOW AGREED on this spectacular classic double fronted detached house on St Leonards Road. We have had excellent results at the top end of the market in Ealing this year and always have buyers registered with us who are looking for similar houses. EPC: test

Hamptons Ealing Sales. 020 8454 7605 | Lettings. 020 8567 9647

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• • • • •

even Bedrooms mma ulate Garden ore ourt Par ing t lish nd Taste ul Presentation our Re e tion reas

*Tenant Charges: Tenants should note that as well as rent, an administration charge of £216 (Inc. VAT) per property and a referencing charge of £54 (Inc. VAT) per person will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit www.hamptons.co.uk/rent/tenant-charges

30/10/2014 14:47

Chiswick Staithe, W4 A four bedroom family house situated in this riverside development with a private south west facing garden, riverside communal gardens, garage and parking. EPC: D

£1,000,000 Freehold • 4 Bedroom House • Private Garden • Communal Gardens • Near To The River • Garage

Hamptons Chiswick Sales. 020 8454 7601 | Lettings. 020 8454 7603

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Dece mbe r 2014

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EDITOR’S LETTER ABSOLUTELY LOVES

10 festive things we’re coveting this month

c u lt u r e WHAT'S ON

END OF YEAR QUIZ

Diary dates for December Test your knowledge of 2014

JERRY HALL

On the magic of theatre and why everyone loves a pantomime

st yle 27 MOOD BOARD

Luxe-Layers founder Flavia Young

23 35 GIFTS FOR HER

Seriously luxe gifts for the lady in your life

40 BEAUTY NOTES

Christmas party make-up sorted

interiors 52 TAKE CENTRE STAGE

The team at Petersham Nurseries show us how to make a beautiful centrepiece

54 HIDDEN INTERIORS

A history of West London’s historic stately home, Syon Park

k i d s & e d u c at i o n 77 HELP THE AGED Amanda Constance reports on how grandparents are lending a helping hand

food & drink 82 MEAT PEOPLE

Recipes for alternative Christmas Day roasts from the Ginger Pig

87 FESTIVE FEAST Cover images PHOTOGRAPHY: HELEN MCARDLE, STYLING: CHARLIE MOORE

The ultimate selection of Christmas gifts for the gourmand

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79 t r av e l 93 GRAVETYE MANOR

Georgie Lane-Godfrey discovers a gardener’s paradise in West Sussex

94 THE BIG APPLE

Spend and ski in New York state

PROPERTY 117 PROPERTY NEWS

News and views on the area

DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 12:01

QUALITY•ELEGANT•AFFORDABLE

‘‘

KITCHENS THAT INSPIRE

33% extra storage Available in 89 different finishes

For every kitchen order by 20th December we will give you £500* worth of John Lewis vouchers towards your Christmas shopping or even to treat yourself ! Terms and Conditions *£500 voucher is redeemable against the cost of the kitchen or vouchers will be issued on full payment. The shopping voucher is non-transferable.

www.schmidt-kitchens.com

AT THE HEART OF THE HOME Schmidt - West London - 323-325 King Street, HamersmithW6 9NH

Tel: 020 3714 6000

www.schmidt.com | www.cuisines-schmidt.com Email: info@Schmidt-hammersmith.co.uk SCHMIDT.indd 2

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For editorial enquiries please email: gemma.billington@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com Subscriptions are available simply by emailing marianne@zest-media.com You can receive an online subscription for FREE or a postal subscriptions for 12 months, £30 respectively (to cover postage and packaging). Please email us with your preferred option and details.

Published by

ZEST MEDIA PUBLICATIONS LTD 213 Westbourne Studios, Acklam Road W10 5JJ T: 020 7704 0588 F: 020 7900 3020 WWW.ZEST-MEDIA.COM Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

Fo l l ow Us O n T wi t t e r @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS Fa c e b o o k ‘ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES’

Gerard Darel; gerarddarel.com

EDITOR GEMMA BILLINGTON EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ELIZABETH HUTTON EDITORIAL INTERN WILL DUGDALE EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS ABIGAIL BUTCHER, ELAINE O'CONNELL ADVERTISING MANAGER ROLLO DENNISON MAJOR ACCOUNTS DIRECTOR TAMSIN LUCK TRAINEE ADVERTISING MANAGER REBECCA KING CENTRAL & WEST PROPERTY MANAGER LEAH DAY PROPERTY EDITOR LUCIE PEARCE ART DIRECTOR RAY SEARLE PRODUCTION MANAGER STEWART HYDE SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER GEMMA ISTEED DESIGNER EKREM YILMAZ JUNIOR DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN PROPERTY EDITORIAL DESIGNER ANDREW MAVIN COPY CONTROLLER CHRISTINE MANN FINANCE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HVID PA TO THE DIRECTORS MARIANNE MCFADDEN DIRECTORS GREG HUGHES, ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

EDITOR’S letter

ears ago my aunt made my brothers and I enormous stockings for Christmas. They were so big that, as soon as we were allowed to dig them out of the attic, we would wear them like sleeping bags and play sack races around the house, wreaking havoc. Come the big day, our stockings overflowed with toys – and there was always the obligatory satsuma and nuts left by Father Christmas at the bottom. It’s inevitable that certain traditions change over the years, but some will never die. I still get my stocking, though it’s (unfortunately) far more sensibly sized these days, and the three giant ones remain in the attic, awaiting the next generation of sack racers. Every family has their unique festive traditions, and Jerry Hall’s family is no exception. Yes, she and Mick [Jagger, obviously] are divorced but the family are extremely close, and this year, their annual tradition – the local panto at Richmond Theatre

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– will be made even more special, as Jerry herself takes to the stage in her pantomime debut. Read about the Texan icon’s love for theatre and why she’s looking forward to playing a villain on page 16. If you’re looking to impress friends and family on 25th December, why not try one of the Ginger Pig’s sumptuous alternative roasts on page 82? And if you want to really knock their socks off, have a go at making the gorgeous nature-inspired centrepiece created by Petersham Nurseries on page 52. You never know, it could be a new tradition for your family. Have a wonderful Christmas. u

Gemma Billington Editor

DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 14:14

10 Things We

ABSOLUTELY

CHRISTKINDL

The beautifully illustrated story of two Bavarian children by Viola M. Jones is made into the perfect clutch for Christmas Eve shenanigans by Olympia Le-Tan. £1,010; theoutnet.com

PUPPY LOVE

Longchamps' iconic Piliage bag turned 20 this year. To celebrate, Alexa Chung returns to front the campaign for a second season. Embodying the casual sophistication of the brand, this time she's joined by a little Jack Russell pup. £765; longchamp.com

TWINKLE TOES

It’s the season to sparkle so slip on these Glitter Kitties and dance the night away. £425; charlotteolympia.com

NO WAY, MOËTT

How anyone could make it through the festivities without a bottle of Moët & Chandon we don't know. Get yours from the great 31Dover. £30; 31dover.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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ABSOLUTELY / LOVES

SILKEN DREAMS

Inspired by the lounging pajamas worn by Coco Chanel and her contemporaries in the 1920s, these gorgeous sets are what we’ll be waking up in on Christmas day. £330; oliviavonhalle.com

GOLDEN FLAME

Capturing the musky smells of the Chinese herbal market, this cinnamoninfused scent is encased in a hand-spun brass mould – the perfect gift for any house-proud gent. £55; tomdixon.net

ON BOARD

It wouldn't be Christmas without a board game. This year, play in style with this crystal and crocodile backgammon set. £7,900; lalique.com

FESTIVE SPARKLE

Reworking vintage pieces into bold, statement-making accessories, Iosselliani are an Italian power-duo worth keeping an eye on. This Christmas, we're after the gorgeously festive Full Metal necklace. £393; farfetch.com

TIMELESS

CLEVER MAN

This one’s for those who think watches are passé. With a chic red mink fur strap designed by those at the Fendi fur atelier, this piece proves that watches are in fact timeless. POA; fendi.com

For a unique and useful gift, give this USB MAN who can hold up to 2GB of data at a time. If only every man was as useful. £55; gift-library.com

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DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 11:25

Questors, Ealing’s Theatre

Jack Beanstalk

and the

The Questors this Christmas Jack and the Beanstalk by Ben Crocker Enjoy our family panto! • Family tickets • Early start times 13 December – 3 January • In the Judi Dench Playhouse Rope by Patrick Hamilton Our thrilling antidote to the Festive Season 17 – 31 December • In the Studio Ghost Stories for Christmas Over three nights, actors narrate delightful tales of terror 27 – 29 December • In the Judi Dench Playhouse

Discover more at ealingtheatre.com Jack and the Beanstalk produced by arrangement with Ben Crocker Pantomimes The Questors Theatre, Registered Charity 207516

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BEARDED MAN 1974-78 FROM THE SIDE-SHOW PORTFOLIO ©PAUL STOLPER GALLERY LONDON

> END OF YEAR QUIZ

p. 15

JERRY HALL ON HER PANTO DEBUT

p. 16

CULTURE VULTURE GIFT GUIDE

p. 21

FREAK SHOW Throughout December, central London’s Paul Stolper Gallery will be displaying new work by Sir Peter Blake alongside his seminal ‘Side-Show’ series, inspired by the pop artist’s childhood and passion for the circus. Until 10 January 2015; paulstolper.com

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DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 10:02

XXXXXXXX / XXXXXXXXX

SANTA’S TAXI

©Chad & Paul

FOXES 9 D e ce m b e r 0 2 S he p he rd's B u s h E m p i re aving made waves last year with Clarity, an awesome dance collaboration with H producer and DJ Zedd, this is a fantastic opportunity to hear Foxes’ darkly themed solo work live in living colour. ◆ Shepherd's Bush Green, W12; 02shepherdsbushempire.co.uk

Turner Prize 2014

©Simon Annand

Things Shared 2014, ©Ciara Phillips

2 2 No v e m b e r - C h r i s t m a s E a l i ng B ro a dway S ho p p i ng C en tre anta’s Sleigh has broken down, so he’s using a snowy white taxi to dispense S this year’s gifts to children. The taxi will be parked outside New Look in the shopping centr every weekend until Christmas Day. Book ahead to beat the queues. ◆ Ealing Broadway, W5; ealingbroadwayshopping.co.uk

Th rough out December Tate Br itain

The Turner Prize hits the big three-zero this year. Widely recognised as one of the most influential and prestigious awards for the visual arts in Europe, past prize winners include Martin Creed and Damien Hirst. 2014’s winner will be announced on 1 December, so go and choose your own favourite from the shortlisted artists: Duncan Campbell, Ciara Phillips (above), James Richards and Tris Vonna-Michell. Milbank, SW1; tate.org.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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SONGS FROM THE FIRST WORLD WAR 2 1 No v e m b e r P i tz ha nge r Ma no r G a ll e r y nternational mezzo-soprano soloist Patricia Hammond and the talented I multi-instrumentalist Matt Redman have joined forces to perform the most lively and popular songs from WW1. Let these two lull you back to that most spirited age. ◆ Walpole Park, W5; pitzhanger.org.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE / WHAT'S ON STRICTLY CHARITY GALA 6 D e ce m b e r T he Pa rk C l ub ur weekend guilty pleasure is coming to the Park Club this O December, as it hosts its very own Strictly Come Dancing Charity Gala. Witness the culmination of weeks of effort from the brave dancers and help a good cause at the same time with all proceeds going to the Russ Dawkins Spinal Charity. With both professional dancers and eager contestants, plus Chiswick’s own Sophie Ellis-Bextor as a celebrity judge, this is an occasion not to be missed. ◆ East Acton Lane, W3; theparkclub.co.uk

DON’T MISS

RUSSELL HOWARD

Christmas Ice Skating Un ti l 4 Ja n u ar y Na tu ra l Histo r y Mus eum

The Natural History Museum ice rink is now open for the 10th year running. Located in the foreground of the iconic building, beneath over 80,000 glittering fairy lights and a 40ft Christmas tree, this is surely the most beautiful place in London to be during the cold winter months.

7 D e ce m be r T he Tab ard Th e a t re s both the writer and star of BBC A Three’s most successful entertainment show, Russell Howard know's exactly what he's doing. But, just to be sure, he's testing out his latest gags in a series of intimate gigs ahead of the studio recording for the 9th series of Russell Howard’s Good News. The perfect opportunity to see the man behind the incredibly popular show, this is sure to be a fun and entertaining evening – one that no true fan would miss. ◆ 2 Bath Road, W4; tvrecordings.com

Cromwell Road, SW7 nhm.ac.uk

EVENT OF THE MONTH Every Day Until 31 December The Lyric Theatre

RAYMOND BRIGGS’ FATHER CHRISTMAS he hugely entertaining theatre adaptation of Raymond Briggs’s Father Christmas returns this December. Emma Earle directs as Barry McCarthy reprises his role as Santa, who awakes from dreams of warmer climates to discover that Christmas Eve is upon him once again. This well-known story is brought to life on stage with the help of spellbinding acting, remarkable live music, a stunning set

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and the hilarious assistance of playful puppets. With Stage Magazine calling it ‘a masterpiece’ and The Times declaring it ‘enchanting’, this production is a wonderful way to introduce the youngsters to the magic of live theatre. A must-see show for families this Christmas. u

Lyric Hammersmith, W6; lyric.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE / QUIZ

End of Year

QUIZ

Test your knowledge of the news and events that made 2014 a memorable one with Quiz Coconut’s end of year special

06 Extending their ten year relationship this year, which Premiership football team has the longest-running shirt sponsor? 07 Robin Williams sadly died this year. What was his highest grossing film at the box office? 08 A woman from Essex tried to change her middle name to what but was refused by the Home Office for copyright infringement? Was it: C-3PO, Leia, Skywalker or Yoda? 09 Kate Bush performed live this year after how many years? 10 Scotland voted for independence in September – how many European capital cities are closer to London than Edinburgh?

01 In 2014 the ‘selfie’ craze went bonkers. Whose selfie is the most retweeted of all time? 02 2014 is the Chinese year of which animal? 03 This year’s figures show which country is the biggest wine producer outside of Europe? 04 Which game saw its creator remove it from the market due to the guilt he felt about its addictive nature? 05 According to the 2014 Rich List, after JK Rowling, who is the second-richest author in the UK?

Find Quiz Coconut at The Union in Chiswick on Tuesday nights and The Blue Anchor in Hammersmith on Wednesdays; quizcoconut.co.uk 01. Ellen DeGeneres at the Oscars in February 02. Horse 03. USA 04. Flappy Bird 05. Jamie Oliver 06. Everton and Chang Beer 07. Night at the Museum 08. Skywalker 09. 35 10. 5: Dublin, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Luxembourg

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DECEMBER 2014

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XXXXXX / XXXXXXX PROFILE

Oh, No She Didn’t! This month, model-turned-actress and local resident Jerry Hall makes her panto debut at Richmond Theatre Wo r d s g e m m a b i l l i n g t o n

hear Jerry Hall before I see her. Waiting to meet her in the musky halls of Richmond Theatre, the syrupy Southern drawl and mischievous laugh echo through the corridors. I like to think that I’m rarely star-struck, but one can’t help but feel a little flustered when stood face-to-face (well, almost; there is a considerable height difference) with the iconic Texan supermodel. Improbably lithe and leggy, Hall is dressed in a sharp red pencil dress that matches her scarlet lips – the trademark tumbling blonde curls, immaculately coiffed. Despite a full day of interviews and photo shoots, she extends a warm welcome and firm handshake as we sit down to chat at a small table. Without prompting, she pours me a glass of water from the waiting bottle. I spot my chipped nail polish and start to wish I’d made more effort with my appearance... This December, Hall will make her pantomime debut as the Wicked Queen in a production of Snow White and The Seven Dwarves at Richmond Theatre.

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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I AM looking FORWARD to all the CHILDREN BOOING me! The famous venue is, handily, located just around the corner from home, she tells me. But convenience aside, the question on everyone’s lips is, of course, why? And why now, after admitting that she’s been asked to do it ‘for years’? ‘I’ve always wanted do it because I love the panto,’ she enthuses, that husky, honey voice taking its time over each syllable, ‘but, having four children at home – and with Christmas and everything – I just felt I couldn’t. But now that they’re all big, I felt now I could do it.’ Poignantly, the Richmond Theatre panto was an annual tradition for the Hall-Jagger clan, who have resided in Richmond for over two decades. She reveals that her children and famous ex (Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger)

will once again be in attendance. ‘Even after we divorced, we still went to the panto every year.’ She brushes away the suggestion that pantomime is a much maligned form of theatre, saying: ‘It’s a great family outing because there are lots of jokes for the grown-ups and the children just love the whole magic of the story and the theatre.’ ‘I’m looking forward to all the children booing me!’ she adds with a grin. It’s difficult for a model with acting ambitions to be taken seriously, and Hall has been no exception. Whilst her modelling career and rock star marriage overshadowed her acting endeavours, a desire to act was never a fickle, half-baked pipe-dream. ‘I studied acting and drama at school, I was in all the school plays. I always loved acting, but my modelling career just took off...’ Post high school, Hall continued to study acting alongside modelling, training at the National Theatre and the Actor’s Studio in New York. Her early CV is peppered with minor TV and film roles, most notably in Tim Burton’s Batman in 1989. I’m taken aback when she tells

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ARTS & CULTURE / INTERVIEW

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DECEMBER 2014

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©Kate Swerdlow

ARTS & CULTURE / INTERVIEW me she’s been acting on stage for ‘almost 27 years’. It was her portrayal of the infamous Mrs Robinson in a Broadway production of The Graduate in the early 2000s that proved to be her breakout role. She excitedly reveals that she’s currently working on a movie with Billy Bob Thornton in the States, but when it comes to theatre versus movies, there’s no contest. ‘I prefer the theatre because I like the interaction with the audience – I like the instant gratification.’ I suggest that every night must be different, despite working with the same material: ‘You never get bored,’ she agrees, ‘it’s endlessly entertaining. I quite like the buzz of a live

I LOVE the INSTANT GRATIFICATION of the THEATRE audience and the excitement.’ Does she ever suffer from nerves? ‘I do get a little bit [of stage fright] just before, but I think that’s normal, I think it makes your brain work better!’ She laughs heartily, ‘a little bit of fear is good.’ It was Hall's bite-the-bullet attitude and determination – a ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’ philosophy – that propelled her to the top. Her rise to fame story is a biographer’s dream. At the age of 16, Hall left Texas and her family (including her volatile, alcoholic father) on a make-or-break move to France. Armed with little more than a suitcase of exotic clothes handmade by her mother, the statuesque blonde was quickly talentspotted as she sunbathed on a St. Tropez beach. Hall swiftly moved to Paris and fell into an exhilarating and culturally exciting period. Sharing a flat with Grace Jones, she posed for photography giants like David Bailey and Helmut Newton and partied with Andy Warhol. I suggest a touch of serendipity was at play in those early days. ‘Yes, but I think there’s some courage,

too,’ she replies, though she acknowledges luck was on her side. ‘It’s quite scary going off to a foreign country, alone. I look back and think – God, anything happened...’ could have happened... ‘I’ve always been willing to things,’ she continues, do new things, ‘I say yes to things. It takes a lot of courage to take on a challenge.’ challenge. A demanding panto schedule is exactly that – a challenge – but I get the impression that Hall is onboard purely for the enjoyment. Whilst it’s her she retains undeniable drive, it impish sense of humour and good old-fashioned Texan humility that shine through. Still in high demand as a model at the age of 58, today Hall can afford to be picky with who she works with, and is clearly happy to have passed the torch on to her model daughters, Lizzie and Georgia May. ‘They just did have the genes for it,’ she smiles proudly when the conversation turns to her girls.

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Asked if she ever bestowed pearls of wisdom, she responds with trademark modesty: ‘The advice I gave them was the same advice I gave to the boys [sons Gabriel and James]. In order to succeed, be on time and be nice to everyone.' So, with pantomime another ‘first’ crossed off the list, I ask if Jerry Hall – model, mother, writer, actress, icon – has any unfulfilled ambitions. Aside from a desire to perform in a Tom Stoppard or Tennessee Williams play (‘it’s quite tricky because Tennessee Williams is always snapped-up by some Hollywood movie star!’) She throws me completely with her reply. ‘One of my ambitions is to [be] a one-hit wonder.’ She roars with laughter, ‘maybe a Christmas song, something like that. I’m pretty sure that could happen.’ Well, you heard it here first, and only a fool would underestimate Jerry Hall. u Jerry Hall will be starring as the Wicked Queen in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Richmond Theatre from 5 Dec – 11 Jan 2015. To book tickets visit atgtickets.com/richmond (booking fees apply)

DECEMBER 2014

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formerly gca architects

Grand Visions London T 0208 941 8891 E: london@rra-arch.com Cheltenham T 01242 269374 E: cheltenham@rra-arch.com Hereford T 01432 278707 E: hereford@rra-arch.com

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ARTS & CULTURE / GIFT GUIDE GERALD LAING

ASSOULINE

Brigitte Bardot, Screenprint in Colour, 1968, £12,000; The Estate of Gerald Laing; gallery.simsreed.com

The Big Book of Chic by Miles Redd, £47; Assouline

LOMOGRAPHY

Smartphone Scanner, £59; conranshop.co.uk

GUSTAV KLIMT

Sea Serpent c1907 Print, £134.99 framed; art.co.uk

STEEPLETONE,

1960's Vinyl Record Player, £79.95; prezzybox.com

V&A

Letterpress Fridge Magnets, £12.50; vandashop.com

BRIDGEMAN ART LIBRARY

London Map Framed Print, £250; johnlewis.com

SONIC EDITIONS

Francoise Hardy at Brands Hatch by Victor Blackman, £115; soniceditions.com

CULTURE VULTURE

ALPHABET BAGS ‘Imagination’ Big Canvas Bag, £20; alphabetbags.com

V&A

Etching Kit, £45; vandashop.com

A round-up of the best artistic buys

Kate Moss, Screenprint in Colours, 2007, £2,880 The Estate of Gerald Laing; gallery.simsreed.com

PENGUIN CLASSICS

Pocketbooks Designed by Coralie Bickford- Smith, £10 each; penguin.co.uk

ION AUDIO

THE HUNT GUIDES

Max LP USB Turntable with Built-In Speakers, £79.95; superfi.co.uk

City Guides, £14 each; thehuntguides.com

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GERALD LAING

DECEMBER 2014

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> FASHION NOTES

p. 24

MY STYLE: FLAVIA YOUNG, LUXE-LAYERS

p. 27

FASHIONISTA'S GIFT GUIDE

p. 35

WOMAN IN WHITE Beulah London take eveningwear to the max with a sleek range of gowns, dresses, skirts and silks. We’ve opted for this white backless feather-print piece in silk chiffon for Christmas. You shall go to the ball! £695; beulahlondon.com

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DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 10:18

st y l e C e n t r a l

Paint the town red in our favourite Christmas partywear essentials words helen baron

LIBERTY STYLE From

Frances Lincoln Publishing

his delightful book surveys eras of taste, from the T various Aesthetic and Arts & Crafts to Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Georgian revival. The thread linking them is Liberty & Co, the West End department store and design house that has served as a byword for style and innovation since its inception in 1875, when founder Arthur Lasenby Liberty first set-up shop. The son of a draper, Arthur’s aim was to change the way we look at fashion and interiors by promoting interesting and innovative design. Liberty & Co soon became the epicentre of London style – Oscar Wilde himself shopped there for Japanese silk – and Martin Wood’s new book provides an exquisite overview of the store’s history in over 200 colour photographs and illustrations. ◆

Thigh Time All Saints

● LIBERTY STYLE £35, Frances Lincoln Publishing, out now

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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Knitwear needn’t be dour when you can dress it up with oh-so-ontrend thigh-high boots. More Barbarella than Pretty Woman, we’re coveting this lush ‘Saris’ pair from All Saints. A bit more bang for your office buck considering they’ll take you from day to night – just swap the chunky knits for an LBD. £298; allsaints.com

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FASHION / NOTES

CANDY CRUSH Alexa Jay

Stocked in Anthropologie, Alexa Jay handbags and accessories are available in a variety of shades, including pretty pastel combinations. Perfect for adding a pop of colour to your LBD. Pastel Mini Clutch, £145; alexajay.com

party pieces

OH SO FAUX Net-a-Porter

The reign of faux fur continues, as exemplified by the new coat collection from Shrimps. The biker jacket is our pick – crafted from brushed felt and interwoven with wool for warmth and durability. And it’s not all serious – the lightblue faux fur collar adds a typically playful accent. £495; net-a-porter.com

TOWERING INFERNO Mytheresa

What could be better for party season than a towering pair of flame-red velvet pumps from Fendi? Pretty as a picture, they cast your mind back to the golden age of cinema. Think The Red Shoes and The Wizard of Oz, and let your feet do the talking. £465; mytheresa.com

BLACK MAGIC Charlotte Aluna

The ‘Lottie’ vanity case by new luxe label Charlotte Aluna is the bag of the moment. The future classic box bags are handmade in London and are already a huge hit with the fashion pack and It girls Laura Whitmore, Paloma Faith and Rita Ora. £750 charlottealuna.com

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1. CHRISTOPHER KANE, Layered Organza Shirt, £1,200; net-a-porter.com 2. TORY BURCH, Reva Watch, £295; toryburch.co.uk 3. DOLCE & GABBANA, Embellished Hair Slide, £565; mytheresa.com 4. SAINT LAURENT, Monochrome Clutch, £710; mytheresa.com 5. VALENTINO GARAVANI, Rockstud Boots, £743.41; farfetch.com 6. CHRISTOPHER KANE, Ruched Edge Dress, £1,100; farfetch.com 7. NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD, Peter Pilotto Pumps, £722.41; farfetch.com

DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 10:24

OB_Absolutely_26FebAd_Layout 1 25/02/2014 13:26 Page 1

Traditional or contemporary, make yours an Original Bathroom 143 - 145 Kew Road, Richmond, London TW9 2PN

T +44 (0)20 8940 7554 E sales@original-bathrooms.co.uk

www.original-bathrooms.co.uk Original Bathrooms.indd 2

25/02/2014 14:49

FASHION / MOOD BOARD

MY STYLE

Flavia Young,, founder of online fashion boutique Luxe-Layers I REALLY APPRECIATE DESIGNER...

Tomas Maier's ethos of no obvious branding. The quality of his work is easily recognised by the luxury clientele, so it requires no loud branding.

MY FAVOURITE LOCAL HANGOUT... is The Olympic

cinema and cafe. Non-local has to be Sushi Samba – a bit biased, as I am Brazilian – but their cuisine hits my taste buds spot on.

I’M A HUGE FAN OF SKIING...

tomasmaier.com

particularly in Cervinia, Italy. I just love the exhilarating exercise followed by some decadent après-ski drinks. Life is all about balance, no?

MY STYLE ICON IS…

Olivia Palermo. I don't think I know another woman who looks as good in everything she wears. She would be a tricky one to offer my styling services to!

MY FAVOURITE PIECE OF CLOTHING...

that we are currently stocking at Luxe-Layers is the VSP Paris Shearling and Leather coat.

MY DREAM PURCHASE...

is not actually a piece of clothing, but the gorgeous equestrian saddlery made by Hermès.

I LOVE ANY OF...

Peter Paul Rubens’ mythological paintings. They speak straight to my spiritual side. Hermès Cavale Saddle; uk.hermes.com

luxe-layers.com

27 Chis_Dec_Moodboard.indd 27

DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 11:19 A4_Caption, A4_Caption_Bld

Red Silk Cropped Top, £560, Matching Long Fishtail Skirt, £1,250, both Sophia Kah Leather Shoes, £139, Underground

B&C_Nov_FashionShoot 2.indd 28

03/11/2014 12:06

See

RED Forget the LBD, during the festive season there’s really only one colour to be seen in… Photography Helen McArdle Styling Charlie Moore

B&C_Nov_FashionShoot 2.indd 29

03/11/2014 12:07

Burgundy and Pink Printed Wool Top, £650, Matching Skirt, £595, both Issa Leather Gloves, £295, Corlette London

B&C_Nov_FashionShoot 2.indd 30

03/11/2014 12:08

Tomato Red Top (with 3/4 Sleeves), £540, Marni Fishtail Scuba Skirt, £500, Pinghe

B&C_Nov_FashionShoot 2.indd 31

03/11/2014 12:07

Burgundy Dress Coat with Cropped Sleeves, £785, Pavane at Fenwick Leather and Stone Embellished Fingerless Gloves, £99, Karl Lagerfeld

Photographer – Helen McArdle Stylist – Charlie Moore Model – Xin Jie at d1 models Hair and Make-up – Fabio at Frank Agency using Chanel Christmas 2014 and Chanel Body Excellence and Ojon STOCKISTS issalondon.com corlette.co.uk Karl Lagerfeld – 020 7439 8454 Marni – 020 7245 9520 bypinghe.com sophiakah.co.uk underground-england.co.uk fenwick.co.uk With thanks to The Coastguard pub and restaurant, St Margaret’s Bay, Kent; thecoastguard.co.uk

B&C_Nov_FashionShoot 2.indd 32

03/11/2014 12:09

www.roseandwillard.com ROSE & WILLARD.indd 1

30/10/2014 17:08

Make your face look beautiful naked

•

BROWS EYES LIPS SEMI-PERMANENT MAKE-UP

www.naturalenhancement.co.uk 020 8995 2072 • info@naturalenhancement.co.uk Chiswick • Harley Street • Leamington Spa • Dublin • Oslo

NATURAL ENHANCEMENT.indd 1

31/10/2014 12:22

FASHION / GIFT GUIDE LOST MARCH

No 3 Perfume Set, £160; conranshop.co.uk

HOLISTIC SILK

Single Monogrammed Eye Mask, £46; holisticsilk.com

BALENCIAGA

Leather and Suede Long Gloves, £345; matchesfashion.com

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

V-neck tulip-jaquard dress, £1,520; matchesfashion.com

ALEXANDER WANG

Prisma EmbossedLeather Backpack, £1,025; matchesfashion.com

MISSONI

Jasmine Long Umbrella, £75; matchesfashion.com

RIFLE PAPER CO

Rorschach Metallic Notebook Set, £11.75; ifeelsmug.com

CARAN D'ACHE

Ecridor Mademoiselle, £180; stonemarketing.com

CADENZZA

RALPH LAUREN

Chunky Chain Bracelet and Rings, POA; ralphlauren.co.uk

GEORG JENSEN

Concave 316 Ladies' Watch, £925; georgjensen.com

B & O PLAY

H6 Leather Over-Ear Headphones, £329.99; selfridges.com

GIFTS FOR HER

St Kilda for Cadenzza Ring, £47; cadenzza.co.uk

GLOBETROTTER

Ivory Blanket and Holder, £390; Globetrotter London

Our edit of the hottest Christmas gifts for women ALEXANDER WANG

WILBUR & GUSSIE

Gabi Leather Ankle Boots, £533; matchesfashion.com

Lily Evening Bag in Black Velvet, £285; wilburandgussie.com

MARNI

Leather Bag Key Ring, £260; Marni London

35 Dec_Her_Gift_Guide.indd 35

DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 12:34

12 CRAFT BEERS OF CHRISTMAS £39.95- Includes gift case & tasting notes

M THES OM E 6 SPE C . E L A L CIALLY BREWED FOR REA

371 Richmond Rd, Twickenham TW1 2EF 0208 892 3710

Open 7 days: Mon 12pm-8pm, Tue-FRI 10am-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-7pm

REAL ALE.indd 1 RA-A4-Absolutely.indd 1

30/10/2014 15:50 30/10/14 12:34:48

FASHION / GIFT GUIDE LEICA

V-Lux 4 Digital Camera, £629; selfridges.com

ROLEX

Cellini Date, POA; rolex.com

MONTBLANC

Meisterstück Solitaire Geometric Dimension Fountain Pen, £1,075; montblanc.com

ALFORD AND HOFF

The Fragrance, £95; alfordandhoff.com

ULTRASONE

Edition 10 Over-Ear Headphones, £18; selfridges.com

THE HAIG CLUB

Single Grain Scotch Whisky, £45; alexanderandjames.com

THE MERCHANT FOX

TOM FORD

Beard Oil, £31; Beard Comb, £22; tomford.com

LONDON UNDERCOVER

Oxford City Gent Umbrella, £125; londonundercover.co.uk

Tones by J.M. Weston; jmweston.fr

Fox Mask Sterling Silver Cufflinks, £135; themerchantfox.co.uk

AESOP

Resolute Hydrating Body Balm, from £25; aesop.com

TOM FORD

Buckley Suede Flat Trapeze Briefcase, £1,964; Available at Tom Ford, 201-202 Sloane Street

GIFTS FOR HIM Our edit of the coolest Christmas gifts for men

ASPINAL

iPad Mini Sleeve, £75; aspinaloflondon.com

TED BAKER

Football, £39.95; houseoffraser.co.uk

GOOGLE GLASS Google Glass Bold Frame, £1,120; mrporter.com

THE MERCHANT FOX

Hand Made Bridle Leather Belt, £95; themerchantfox.co.uk

EDWIN JAGGER

Black 3 Piece Shaving Set, £89; theinsideman.co.uk

37 Dec_Mens_Gift_Guide.indd 37

DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 12:40

MediSPa a4 advert BP V12 NOV14_Medispa A4 advert 29/10/2014 11:24 Page 1

where science & beauty unite

Under the medical direction of Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Bela, The Park Club MediSpa provides friendly, expert help and advice in looking and feeling your best. facial aesthetics • dermatology • mole clinic • laser hair removal beauty therapy treatments • physiotherapy • sports & specialist massage therapy

EXCLUSIVE ABSOLUTELY READER OFFER

QUOTE “SOPRANO ICE LASER” AND RECEIVE 25% OFF LASER HAIR REMOVAL UNTIL 30 NOVEMBER 2014* www.theparkclubmedispa.co.uk 020 8743 1900 East Acton Lane Acton London W3 7HB

THE MEDISPA IS OPEN TO MEMBERS & NON-MEMBERS MEDISPA.indd 1

30/10/2014 15:55

> BEAUTY NOTES & REVIEW

p. 40

BEAUTY JUNKIE GIFT GUIDE

p. 43

FLAWLESS FINISH Be inspired by the exquisite new ‘Holiday 2014’ make-up collection from the king of lux, Tom Ford. Take your pick from a range of new matte lip shades, rich crème eye shadows and deeply hued nail lacquers. We’re in love. Prices vary; tomford.com

39 B&C_DEC_Beauty_Opener.indd 39

DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 09:59

t r e atm e n t R e v i e w

MAKE-OVER SPECIAL at The Chiswick Salon

Getting ready for the office Christmas party is a cinch at The Chiswick Salon

Wo r d s g e m m a b i l l i n g t o n

W o r d s r o m y va n d e n b r o e k e

ocated on the idyllic Faconberg Road, The Chiswick Salon L possesses the kind of neighbourhood charm and camaraderie that could never be feigned. I get the impression that the many clients who pop in and out – to have a catch up, get their roots done or to book next week’s appointment – are the same people who visited seven years ago, when the salon first opened its doors. But this local favourite has a lot more to offer than just your staple cut and colour. For special occasions, the salon offers a full make-over service, undertaken by a team of in-house experts who can also be booked for home visits. Hairdresser Lee Danagher, who specialises in vintage style, comes in especially to tend to my tresses. My hair is cut in a long bob style, which I normally keep straight, but Lee decides to tousle it using a Cloud Nine conical wand, resulting in a pretty, soft and natural style. To complete the look, the services of Barbra, a freelance make-up artist who has worked for the likes of MAC and Shu Uemura, are also enlisted. She creates a sleek, smoky eye with paired-back, glossy lips and rosy cheeks. It’s a little heavy for daytime but perfect for a night out. With the chaos of the Christmas party looming, it’s handy to know that all your beauty needs can be taken care of under one roof. No need to spend all afternoon in and out of various salons or to lug your entire make-up bag and straightening tools to the office. Perfect. u

Read my Lips Guerlain

French beauty giants Guerlain have the Christmas party season covered with its sultry new winter makeup collection modelled here by the brand’s venerable ambassador, Natalia Vodianova. guerlain.com

● T H E C H I SW I C K SA LO N 14 Fauconberg Road, W4 thechiswicksalon.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Chiswick_Dec_Beauty_Notes.indd 40

40 03/11/2014 09:58

HEALTH & BEAUTY / NOTES the guide to gilded fragrances

AESOP’S FABLES

Aesop

Australian skincare brand Aesop has come to Richmond, with the new branch located in a light and airy Georgian building. Aesop Richmond, 19 King Street, TW9; aesop.com

SHIMMER & SHINE Clarins

editor’s

New from Clarins is this beautifully presented Essentials Christmas Eye Make-Up Palette, with ten wearable and easy-to-apply shades. It would make a wonderful present... that’s if you can bear to give it away. £35; clarins.co.uk

PICK

WHAT’S THE BUZZ?

Bee Good

A Limited Edition box from Bee Good is a gift that keeps on giving. Not only do they only use the finest, most natural ingredients exclusively from British bees, but a portion of profits goes directly to bee-keeping causes. beegood.co.uk

TOUCH OF GOLD Chanel

The holiday collection from Chanel is inspired by the soft, gentle touch of feathers. The Collection Plumes de Précieuses comprises all your beauty essentials, including effervescent eyeshadow and nail lacquer in trademark scarlet. chanel.com

41 Chiswick_Dec_Beauty_Notes.indd 41

09 1. ELIZABETH ARDEN, UNTOLD ABSOLU, £40; debenhams.com 2. CARVEN, LE PARFUM, £38; harrods.com 3. OHN VARVATOS OUD, £90; johnvartos.com 4. CARTIER, EXTRAIT DE PARFUM LA PANTHÈRE, £121; harrods.com 5. ROJA PARFUMS, AMBER EXTRAIT, £275; rojaparfums.com 6. PACO RABANNE, LADY MILLION EAU MY GOLD!, £60.50; boots.com 7. LOEWE, QUIZÁS SEDUCCIÓN, £44.50; thefragranceshop.co.uk 8. LA PERLA, J'AIME GOLD EDITION, £69; johnlewis.com 9. MOSCHINO, CHEAP AND CHIC STARS, £60; harrods.com

DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 09:57

Final Advert_Layout 1 01/05/2014 11:49 Page 1

MAXIMISING SPACE When space is at a premium, the ability to open up and extend our homes in attractive and flexible ways has never been more important. With many glazing products on the market, finding the right one for you is harder than it sounds. At ODC, we believe that if quality and aesthetics matter equally to your brief, then we can help. In fact, we know that we will find a glazing solution to delight you. Quite simply, our business depends on it. ODC TRADING LTD

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM OR CONTACT OUR DEDICATED DESIGN TEAM ON 020 8896 3019

97 BOLLO LANE, LONDON W3 8BN TEL: 020 8896 3019 FAX: 020 8896 2414 EMAIL: sales@odctrading.co.uk

www.odctrading.co.uk FOLDING SLIDING DOORS

ODC.indd 1

WINTERGARDENS

SLIDING SYSTEMS

ROOFLIGHTS

BALCONY SYSTEMS

AWNINGS

17/10/2014 11:49

BOBBI BROWN

HEALTH & BEAUTY / GIFT GUIDE

Shimmer Nail Varnishes, £11; bobbibrown.co.uk

CARVEN

Ma Griffe gift set, £75; selfridges.com

EVE LOM

Christmas Kiss Mix, £16; evelom.com

CIATÉ

Candy Cane Glitter Nail Varnishes, £25 for set; selfridges.com

NEOM

Christmas Wish Scented Candle, £45; neomorganics.com

CARTIER

La Panthère, from £36; harrods.com

KORRES

Beautiful Blooms Christmas Gift Set, £18; debenhams.co.uk

ELLIE SAAB

TOM FORD

Le Parfum gift set, £54; feelunique.com

Luxury Trousseau, £920; tomford.com

001 LONDON

Selection from decadent gift bar, from £49; 011skincare.com

BEAUTY GIFTS Our edit of the finest gifts for the beauty obsessed

CODAGE PARIS

VERSO

Tryptique Seasonal, £89; selfridges.com

Super Serum Series, £136; uk.spacenk.com

CLARINS CIATÉ

Nail Polish in Confetti, £9; ciatelondon.com

Christmas Crackers, £39; clarins.com

43 Dec_BEAUTY_Gift_Guide.indd 43

DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 13:03

ABSOLUTELY / PROMOTION

'I COULD HAVE DANCED ALL NIGHT Jane Dowrick wanted some shoes to help her dance all night. Foot Solutions had the answer

rimary school teacher Jane Dowrick wanted to look her best for her son’s wedding. Being a keen dancer, she was looking forward to stepping out onto the dance floor. But she faced a problem. As Jane explains, ‘I can’t wear high heels for very long

because I suffer from back and hip pain. To make matters worse I also have a bunion.’ But she was determined to have a good time, so decided to splash out on a new outfit for the day and a cocktail dress for the evening. However, she was still unsure what shoes she could wear for style and comfort. ‘I decided to visit Foot Solutions – and I’m so glad I did!’ adds Jane. ‘I spent an hour with their staff undergoing tests and scans to monitor how I walked and pinpoint any problems. To my surprise they had a great range of fashionable heels. I chose a gold pair of Ziera shoes which were perfect. These together with the special insoles prescribed and

supplied by Foot Solutions meant I was ready for the big day. I was the first one on the dance floor and the last one off – I could have danced all night! The staff at Foot Solutions were so helpful and professional,’ says Jane. ‘It was a genuinely lovely experience.’ u Foot Solutions, 4 Red Lion Street, Richmond, TW9 1RW; 020 8940 1814 footsolutions.co.uk/richmond

INSTRUMENT OF TORTURE? For people with high or fallen arches, ski boots can seem like instruments of torture. Foot Solutions custom arch supports not only minimise or even remove pain, they can also improve balance and control. At Foot Solutions, our trained consultants use hightech foot scanning equipment and gait analysis to help ﬁnd the perfect customised footwear and arch supports for your feet.

Visit our RICHMOND store today TO ARRANGE A FREE FOOT ANALYSIS call: 020 8940 1814 email: richmond-surrey@footsolutions.com FOOT SOLUTIONS, 4 RED LION STREET, RICHMOND, TW9 1RW

/footrichmond @footrichmond

A short walk from Richmond station, opposite Pizza Express www.footsolutions.co.uk/richmond

OPEN MON - SAT: 10AM - 6PM OPEN SUN: 11AM - 5PM

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Chis_Dec_Foot_Solutions_Advertorial.indd 44

03/11/2014 11:52

TRULY SPARKLE THIS FESTIVE SEASON!!!

LOOK ABSOLUTELY FAB IN YOUR LBD WITH ‘VELASHAPE III’…. THE ‘BUZZ’ TREATMENT FOR A SEXIER, SMOOTHER FIGURE

•

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•

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•

FAT REMOVAL BY DR ALAN KINGDON Experienced specialist in all forms of Liposculpture

•

BREAST ENHANCEMENT by BARBARA S. LUTZ MD, PhD Our experienced Plastic Surgeon for the body and face

•

SKIN REJUVENATION A variety of treatments for ﬁne lines and wrinkles. Improve texture, remove brown spots and redness and freshen up your skin

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EXCESSIVE SWEATING Effective treatment available

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION with one of our Specialists

For more information on all our procedures and latest promotions please call 020 8747 4746 Located within the Hogarth Club Chiswick London W4 2NW enquiry@aestheticsurgeryclinic.co.uk www.aestheticsurgeryclinic.co.uk

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28/10/2014 11:38

JO BLU Salon

Get noticed...it’s all about looking sensational....visit Jo Blu Salon for the ultimate pampering treat. Book in for your therapeutic head massage lifting your energies ready for your glossy A list blow dry combined with a beautiful glossy nail paint of your choice easing away more stresses while your hands get massaged and your hair gets that Jo Blu look that we know you can’t resist. Call 020 8996 0616 for bookings Please mention our pamper treat. Gift Vouchers available Get Noticed with Jo Blu Salon

Jo Blu Salon in Chiswick continue to celebrate their award in achieving five stars with the Good Salon Guide.

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11 Grove Park Road, Chiswick, London W4 3RS

Tel: 020 8996 0616

www.joblusalon.co.uk • info@joblusalon.co.uk

31/10/2014 11:41

ABSOLUTELY / PROMOTION

LIGHT FANTASTIC The Park Club Fireworks Extravaganza!

very year since 2000, The Park Club has organised an extraordinary fireworks display for its Park Club and Hogarth Health Club members. Over the years, the event has grown and grown to include not only the most incredible fireworks, courtesy of Michael Lakin’s Starlight Company, but traditional bonfire, full bar facilities, family disco, George Irvine’s Fun Fair, Richard Johnson’s British Street Food Village, amazing cars – courtesy of Porsche Centre West London – and an array of the most incredible acts. We’ve been joined by James Blunt, the FMX live tour motor cycle display team, dancing water fountains, dancing flame throwers and Conor Maynard (twice!). And now to 2014.... The Bohemians headlined with a classic Queen tribute performance, which included hits like We Will Rock You and We are the Champions, whilst thousands of Park Club, Hogarth Health Club members and friends looked on in wonder! u For further firework information, please visit the social section at theparkclub.co.uk where there’s also new information on STRICTLY CHARITY 2014.

47 NH_Nov_The_Park_Club .indd 47

DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 13:04

NEW KITCHENS @ SHOREDITCH

Luxury European Furniture since 1962

London & M25 Showrooms 020 7760 7558 Wharfeside.indd 1 WHARFESIDE.indd 1 absolutely-ad10.indd 1

absolutelywharfside.co.uk 16/10/2014 11:08 14:27 24/10/2014 16/10/2014 10:15

> INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

p. 50

HIDDEN INTERIORS: SYON HOUSE

p. 54

HOMEBODY GIFT GUIDE

p. 61

CRAFTY CHRISTMAS Curl up with our cosy Christmas interior pages this month, including a festive gift guide filled with quirky ideas, and a special DIY piece from the team at Petersham Nurseries. Green fingered types turn to page 52 now. Image from debenhams.com

49 Chis_Dec_Interior_Opener.indd 49

DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 10:42

10 of the best

christmas baubles 01

This month we've got Christmas decorating all wrapped-up

ANTHROPOLOGIE

Midas Plume Feather Ornaments, £8 each; anthropologie.eu

Wo r d s G e m m a B i l l i n g t o n

WYEVALE GARDENS

Metal Peacock Decoration, £6.99; wyevalegardencentres.co.uk

DECORATOR’S NOTEBOOK

Mini Picture Frame Decoration (Set of 6), £24.95; decoratorsnotebook.co.uk 04

MARKS & SPENCER

Chocolate filled White Bauble Tin, £5; marksandspencer.com

Screen Grab J u l i a Vo g l f o r L u x a f l e x

INDIA JANE

Reindeer Decoration, £9.90; indiajane.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Chiswick_Dec_Interior_Insp.indd 50

Contemporary artist Julia Vogl has teamed up with Luxaflex to produce two limited edition designs. The collaboration is part of Luxaflex’s new Instagram competition, where participants are invited to post images that inspire their style for a chance to win an original artwork by Julia. Print featured, 'Summer arrives at the Bay’, from £150. For competition info see luxaflex.co.uk

50 03/11/2014 10:40

HOMES & INTERIORS / NOTES TV UNSER

Original Christmaxx LED Christmas Star, £15.05; amazon.co.uk

STRAWBERRY FIELDS William Morris

Coinciding with current exhibition Anarchy & Beauty: William Morris & His Legacy, the National Portrait Gallery are stocking beautiful homeware inspired by the prolific designer. Strawberry Thief Print Chair, £850; npg.org.uk

ALL WRAPPED UP Black Magic

Quite possibly the most decadent wrapping paper on the market, this luxurious collection is part of the Black Magic range available at House of Fraser. We like to imagine this is what Joan Collins wraps her prezzies in... houseoffraser.co.uk

NORDIC HOUSE

Bird Tree Ornaments, £5 each; nordichouse.co.uk

JONATHAN ADLER

Silver Fox Ornament, £28; uk.jonathanadler.com

STAG PARTY LuxDeco

Christmas table decorations needn’t look tacky. Take a leaf out of luxury online retailer LuxDeco’s book, and make sure this fabulous Silver Stag Candelabra takes centre stage. £89; luxdeco.com

editor’s

PICK INDIA JANE

Hummingbird Decoration, £4.50; indiajane.co.uk

A TOUCH OF CLASS Touchstone B athrooms

East Sheen's Touchstone Bathrooms are stocking the funky new Joyce collection from Villeroy & Boch. Beautifully stylish yet practical, the range includes cabinets, WCs and washbasins, which can be customised and combined with other Villeroy & Boch collections. touchstonebathrooms.com

51 Chiswick_Dec_Interior_Insp.indd 51

PAPERCHASE

Glitter Pinecone Hedgehog, £5; paperchase.co.uk

DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 10:41

YOU WILL NEED: Equipment: Pruners • Floristry knife • Zinc dish with removable candle holder (available to buy from Petersham Nurseries) • 4 tapered candles of your choice (we have used the colour ‘Sage Green’) • Floristry (stub) wire • 1 x Oasis block

HOW TO

Centre

STAGE

Foliage: • Olive foliage • Green and purple sage • Any variety of white garden roses • Lavender foliage • Large white cyclamen • Japanese Anemone seed heads • Eucalyptus berries (we have used a painted variety but this is optional) • Pine cones (paint your own or buy ready-made, see step 8)

The horticultural team at Petersham Nurseries show Absolutely how to create a beautifully rustic centrepiece for your Christmas spread C r e a t e d b y T h o m a s B r o o m a n d R o n n y D e Ko n i n g Photography by L auren Mcle an

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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NOTE: ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ARE AVAILABLE FROM PETERSHAM NURSERIES. TRIM THE LEAVES AND STEMS AS YOU GO. USE ‘HANDFULS’ FOR THE FOLIAGE AND, IF USING PLANTS FROM YOUR OWN GARDEN, FEEL FREE TO SUBSTITUTE IF YOU DON’T HAVE EVERYTHING ON THE LIST

52 03/11/2014 11:49

HOMES & INTERIORS / STEP-BY-STEP 01. Start by soaking the Oasis in a washing-up bowl or bucket filled with cold water. Simply drop the block into the water and wait for it to sink. This should take no longer than 1 minute. Don’t be tempted to push it to the bottom! 02. Once submerged, remove the Oasis from the water. Cut the block into chunks and trim the edges so they will fit into the gaps between the candle holders.

07. Now it’s time to decorate with the festive white flora, pine cones and Eucalyptus berries. Group the white roses and cyclamen close together. The pine cones can be added to fill any gaps. Carefully cut a slit into the bottom of the cyclamen stem so that it can ‘drink’ the moisture from the Oasis.

05. Once the green foliage has been set, place the candles into the holders 6

08. If you’re making your own pine cone decorations, simply feed the stub wire around them through the gaps and twist at the bottom of the cone to create a stem. You can paint them silver or white with a spray can or go for a more natural technique using egg white (which works as a ‘glue’) and sugar dip.

03. Once the blocks are in place, line with olive foliage, trimming the stems to size and pushing them into the Oasis.

06. Trim the stems and add the Japanese Anemone seed heads, place at random and in any style you like.

09 Finally, look to see if there are any gaps and fill them with leftover foliage of your choice. Voila!

04 Next insert the sage and lavender. Feel free to be sporadic with the layout, it doesn’t have to be too neat and you needn't fill up all the spaces yet.

53 Chis_Dec_Petersham_Nurseries_How-To copy.indd 53

Horticultural Manager Thomas Broom will be hosting free workshops throughout the Petersham Nurseries Candlelit Christmas Shopping and Carol evenings on 4 and 11 December, from 6 - 9pm. For more information see petershamnurseries.com

DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 11:50

XXXXXX / XXXXXXX

Grand DESIGNS HISTORY

Absolutely takes a look behind the doors of the Duke of Northumberland’s historic abode, Syon House Wo r d s H u g h M o n t g o m e r y- M a s s i n g b e r d

ne of the joys of a walk in the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew in Surrey is the climax of the central avenue, where the gardens meet the River Thames. There you can stop and sit on a bench to survey the prospect across the river to Middlesex. It is a most unexpected sight amongst the urban sprawl of Greater London: a nobleman’s park adorned by the stately pile of Syon House, still the seat - or one of them - of the Duke of Northumberland. Yet for all its air of castellated grandeur and its Percy lion in pride of place, the exterior of Syon, on closer inspection, is not all that remarkable. Similarly, while a case can be made for its historical importance – this is the place where Caesar’s legionaries crossed the Thames in 54 BC; where Henry V founded a Bridgettine monastery; where Henry VIII’s coffin burst open and his rotting corpse was worried by dogs; where Lady Jane Grey unwisely decided to accept her father-in-law the Duke of

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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Northumberland’s offer of the crown – Syon does not demand inclusion into a survey of Great Houses on association alone. No, it ranks among the most illustrious buildings in England and Wales on account of its superb interiors, created by Robert Adam in the 1760s. As Sir John Betjeman observed, ‘You’d never guess that battlemented house contained such wonders as there are inside it.’ Adam’s patrons were the Earl and Countess of Northumberland (the former Sir Hugh Smithson and Lady Elizabeth Seymour, who took the name of Percy and ended up as Duke and Duchess of Northumberland), for whom Adam had also worked at Alnwick Castle in Northumberland. The grandiloquent Hugh and Elizabeth found Syon ‘ruinous and inconvenient’, and commissioned ‘Capability’ Brown to landscape the rather flat riverside park while Adam set about transforming the interiors of the old rectangular building. The original monastery had been rebuilt in the late 1540s by the Duke of Somerset, Protector of the Realm during the short reign of the boy-king Edward

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HOMES & INTERIORS / SYON HOUSE The Long Gallery, which stretches down the length of the riverfront at Syon

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HOMES & INTERIORS / SYON HOUSE VI. ‘Protector’ Somerset’s personal physician, Dr Turner, also laid out what was probably England’s first botanic garden here; the old mulberry trees in the Nun’s Orchard, which still bear fruit, are believed to have been planted by him. Later in the 16th century Syon passed to the Percys, Earls of Northumberland, the 9th of whom, Henry (the ‘Wizard Earl’), carried out another rebuilding early in the 17th century. He earned the nickname whilst languishing in the Tower of London on suspicion (quite unjustified) of being involved in the Gunpowder Plot. Further alterations and improvements were made to Syon by the ‘Proud’ 6th Duke of Somerset at the end of the 17th century. He had come into the Percy property by marrying the heiress of the 11th Earl of Northumberland, Lady Elizabeth Percy, widow of the murdered Thomas Thynne of Longleat. The Proud Duke was well named: when his second

wife (a much younger woman, Lady Charlotte Finch) once ventured to tap him on the shoulder with her fan, the Duke drew himself up haughtily and said: ‘Madam, my first Duchess was a Percy, and she never took such a liberty!’ In addition to improving Syon House, the Proud Duke planted the avenue of

THE ANTEROOM is a riot of GOLD and MARBLE limes that forms the approach to the main entrance. On the whole, though, he preferred to spend his time at his palatial country seat of Petworth in Sussex rather than at Syon. Even so, it is hard to imagine that Syon was quite so ‘ruinous’ as his

granddaughter, Elizabeth Duchess of Northumberland, made out. From the Ducal viewpoint of her and her husband Hugh, however, it was clearly ‘inconvenient’, being built round a courtyard. When Adam arrived in 1762, still fresh from his Grand Tour, the south range contained staterooms, the north family rooms, the west a Long Gallery and the east a Great Hall. The plan was for Adam to remodel and redecorate the entire interior, and, for good measure, to put a ballroom in the courtyard. In the event, funds only permitted the brilliant young Scotsman to reach about halfway round. Nonetheless, many judges would consider that rooms Adam did complete at Syon rank among his very finest. The Great Hall, furnished with statues like a Roman atrium, is two storeys high with a black and white marble floor and a subtle combination of colours on

The bronze of The Dying Gaul faces Apollo, in the apse, down Adam's Great Hall

The opulently imperial anteroom

the wall. The decorative stucco work is by Joseph Rose. Adam was faced with the problem of uneven floor levels, but cleverly overcame it by devising steps and a screen of Doric columns. In front of the steps leading to the anteroom broods a bronze of The Dying Gaul, cast in Rome by Valodier and acquired by the Duchess of Northumberland in 1773 for £300. By contrast with the cool grandeur of the Great Hall, the anteroom is a riot of gold and marble - including some genuine Roman marble columns dredged up from the River Tiber and brought to Syon in 1765. Adam took a special interest in contemporary archaeological discoveries and drew on the latest scholarship to show that classical decoration could be

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THE

CARPET GALLERY

OF CHISWICK LTD 020 8742 1336

18 Fauconberg Road, Chiswick, London W4 3JY carpetgalleries.co.uk | info@carpetgalleries.co.uk

CARPET AND HARD FLOOR SPECIALISTS We supply and install all types of Carpet, Rugs and Hard Flooring. With no job being considered too small or large and complex to be carried out by us. It is our pleasure to give our customers the highest quality products fitted with the highest level of workmanship and service. Carpet Gallery Bournemouth opened in 1998, Carpet Gallery Chiswick opened in April 2014

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HOMES & INTERIORS / SYON HOUSE warm and colourful rather than merely cold and monumental. The result is a glorious feeling of lavish luxury. Here again Adam’s genius for architecture as well as decoration is evident. He has contrived to make an irregularly shaped room (in fact it is 36 feet 6 inches by 30 feet with a height of

One of Syon's bedrooms, with splendid canopied bed

THE PLAN was for ADAM to REMODEL the entire INTERIOR 21 feet) seem perfectly straight by his arrangement of columns and statues. The dining room, in cream and gold, is quintessential Adam with its arched recesses, aspes, half-domes and columnar screens. The chiaroscuro frieze panels are the work of Andrea Casali. The Red Drawing Room takes it name from the original and still-sumptuous Spitalfields silk with which it is decorated. It is furnished with pieces mostly designed by Adam, who liked to have a hand in everything the eye could see. The ceiling medallions are by G.B. Cipriani. Adam effectively designed the Red Drawing Room only as a prelude to

Detail of a chimney piece from Northumberland House

what he saw as the real withdrawing, or ladies’ room – the Long Gallery. This he rearranged, as he put it, ‘in a style to afford variety and amusement’. It was originally the 16th century gallery, and a long, low room – 136 feet by just 14 feet high and 14 feet wide – which must have presented Adam with considerable problems. He skillfully disguised the

length by breaking the room up into sections: units of four pilasters are grouped with wide intervals, centred upon the three doors and two fireplaces. The eye is diverted by gilded cornices, lunettes and medallions by Francisco Zuccarelli and landscapes by Thomas Marlow. The ceiling has cross-lines which somehow expand the width of the room. Last but not least the furniture in the Long Gallery is an absorbing mixture of Adam’s own designs and items from old Northumberland House, the family’s principal town house, high upstream on the bank of the Thames at Charing Cross. Today, Syon seems a majestic oasis in the metropolis. Although office blocks litter the neighboring Great North Road, no modern building can be seen from the house itself. It even survived a turbulent spell during the Second World War when 69 bombs fell in the grounds, two firebombs penetrated the roof and a pair of ‘doodlebugs’ caused extensive blast damage. During the war the house quartered officers of the 9th Battalion Grenadier Guards – serving with which the 9th Duke of Northumberland was

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killed in France in May 1940 – and later served as a home for nurses from the West Middlesex Hospital. The 10th Duke of Northumberland, who succeeded his brother in 1940, carried out restoration work at Syon after the war, notably of the great conservatory. The house was opened regularly to the public and has developed a wide range of attractions, including a garden centre, craft exhibitions, a butterfly house, a National Trust gift shop and a banqueting and conference centre. Syon has also proved popular as a film location – most memorably in the 1960s film Accident, starring Dirk Bogarde and Michael York – a calling particularly sympathetic to the house’s present owner, the 11th Duke of Northumberland, who is a film producer. u Taken from Great Houses of England & Wales by Hugh Montgomery-Massingberd and Christopher Simon Sykes. £40; Laurence King Publishing

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DESIGN CONSULTANCY FURNITURE & LIGHTING CURTAINS & BLINDS WALLPAPER & PAINT CARPETS & RUGS FABRICS & TRIMMINGS UPHOLSTERY & RESTORATION

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LOOKING FOR INNOVATIVE BATHROOM STORAGE OPTIONS? THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT. V&B JOYCE COLLECTION NOW AVAILABLE FROM TOUCHSTONE BATHROOMS IN SHEEN. The Warehouse, 1A St Leonards Road, East Sheen, London, SW14 7LY E: sales@touchstonebathrooms.com T: 020 8878 4820 touchstonebathrooms.com Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm Saturday 10am – 4pm

Getting ready for the cold weather?

Wanting to warm up your rooms for the winter? Curtain Call in Richmond have a wonderful selection of fabrics for curtains and blinds which can be made to order with interlining for insulation. Fabrics include the latest ranges from Clarke and Clarke with fabrics from £14 per metre.

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HOMES & INTERIORS / GIFT GUIDE

FORNASETTI

Giardino Segreto Candle, £99; conranshop.co.uk

HOUSE OF HACKNEY Hackney Empire Stripe Teapot, £70; houseofhackney.com

FOLKLORE

Coffee Pot Day, £19.95; wildandwolf.com

ALESSI

ROBERTS RADIO

LALIQUE

Anna G Corkscrew by Alessandro Mendini for Alessi, £29.95; alessi.com

Revival Mini in Duck Egg, £139.95; johnlewis.com

100 Points Decanter by James Suckling, £595; lalique.com

KRUPS

EA9000 Bean-to-Cup Automatic Espresso Machine, £1,300; debenhams.com

FLOCK,

Cocktail Chairs, £595; shop.flock.org.uk

ROSE & GREY

World Map; roseandgrey.co.uk

SARA SMITH

Cambridge Blue Teacup & Saucer, £80; luxdeco.com

DECOR WALTHER

Copper Soap Dispenser, £165; conranshop.co.uk

ARTISANTI

Bowes Black and Silver Globe Bookends, £79; artisanti.com

GIFT REPUBLIC

Cluedo Espresso Cups (set of 6), £24.99; houseoffraser.co.uk

ANTHROPOLOGIE Dachshund Letter Holder, £28; anthropologie.eu

ROB RYAN

‘My Home’ Cushion, £35; wildandwolf.com

GIFTS FOR THE HOME Our edit of the best gifts for those with an eye for design IITTALA

Taika Tea Towel, £10; cloudberryliving. co.uk

LOVERAMICS

Flutter Gift Boxed Salad Plates (set of 4), £25.50; occa-home.co.uk

PAUL SMITH

Anglepoise + Paul Smith Lamp, £149; paulsmith.co.uk

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Modern,Contemporary,Traditional • Established 18 years • Computer Aided Design Service Fully Qualified Installers • Small building works undertaken Tiling, Flooring and Final decorations • KBSA Membership

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AZ TO

OF LOCAL BUSINESSES Absolutely’s alphabetical selection of top local shops, eateries and experts A

ANNIE’S RESTAURANT Join us for a fun filled Christmas this year to enjoy our delicious Norfolk Bronze Turkey or, for something a little different, why not indulge in our Slow Cooked Beef Bourguignon with Creamy Potato Gratin. 3 Courses £31.95. We do a fantastic Sunday Roast too, from Midday onwards. We can’t wait to see you! anniesrestaurant.com

BRORA AESTHETIC SURGERY CLINIC Give yourself or a loved one the chance to look and feel ABSOLUTLEY amazing this Christmas and New Years’ with a variety of non-surgical and surgical treatments and procedures. Really sparkle this festive season! Book your free consultation on 020 8747 4746. Located within the Hogarth Club, Chiswick, London W4 2NW aestheticsurgeryclinic.co.uk

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Brora is one of Britain’s most successful modern cashmere brands. Since its beginning in 1993, Brora has steadily grown into a fully-fledged fashion label with its own distinctive viewpoint – wearable, subtle but highly individual, and mainly British-made. Brora remains true to its quirky, vintage-inspired self, while moving with the turn of fashion’s wheel each season. Brora,17 Hill Street, Richmond, TW9 1SX 020 8940 9023; brora.co.uk

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BUSH THEATRE

DUKE OF SUSSEX

The Bush Theatre is West London’s very own powerhouse of new writing. Widely acclaimed as the seedbed for the best new playwrights, the Bush has produced hundreds of groundbreaking premieres since its inception in 1972. This Christmas it welcomes Visitors, a beautiful and sharply funny love story starring Linda Bassett and Robin Soans, from rising star writer Barney Norris. 7 Uxbridge Road; London W12 8LJ; Box Office: 020 8743 5050; bushtheatre.co.uk

Once a handsome Victorian boozer, The Duke of Sussex now serves a modern menu with a rustic Spanish influence. With the holidays approaching, get ready to celebrate Christmas ‘Duke Style’ with your friends, family and colleagues. With an exciting festive menu to tempt you, book now for their sumptuous 3 course menu (£26), with drinks discounts available. Bookings available throughout December including Christmas Day. Acton Green, Chiswick, W4 5LF 0208 742 8801; thedukeofsussex.co.uk

DE JOLI Established in 1989, De Joli is an independent boutique in Chiswick stocking womenswear and accessories. We offer a mix of wardrobe essentials including occasion and smart wear with modern silhouettes, innovative prints and fashion detailing for the customer who wants to be stylish and different. We pride ourself on our community spirit and offer good value and quality. De Joli, 105 Chiswick High Road, W4 2ED; 020 8742 2251

CURTAIN CALL Curtain Call on Friars Stile Road, just a stone’s throw from Richmond Park, have lots of ways for you to bring the deer into your home! Large floor cushion, lovely scatter cushions, throws and doorstops, and, if you want to take them away with you, wash bags, laptop cases and hip flasks! 020 8332 6250; curtain-call.co.uk

EALING BROADWAY SHOPPING CENTRE

Get everything you need for Christmas, whether it’s gifts and decorations or turkey and mulled wine at the Centre with 75 stores to choose from as well as a bespoke Christmas Market. And why not try out one of the new restaurants on the Colonnade for lunch before visiting Santa in his taxi? Visit ealingbroadwayshopping.co.uk for more details.

DOLLY ROCK Located in the heart of St.Margarets, this unique women’s wear boutique offers a warm and friendly environment with exclusive collections and trusted advice on hand. So whether it’s that perfect little black dress for the party season, great gift ideas or some cosy cashmere to keep you snug this winter, Dolly Rock Boutique has everything you need for a very stylish Christmas. 14 Crown Road,TW1 3EE; 02088927003; dollyrockboutique.co.uk

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IMPERIAL PRESS

If you are seeking a unique present this Christmas, especially for those who ‘have it all’, look online at what The Imperial Press has to offer. They provide reproduction Victorian newspaper prints, accompanied by fascinating stories and accounts of the illustration. You can search for your town, county, hobby or sporting interest; there’s something for everyone to enjoy. theimperialpress.com

GHOST STORIES AT STRAWBERRY HILL HOUSE

JENNY BLANC Visit Jenny Blanc in Teddington for an unsurpassed selection of beautiful Christmas ornaments. Be tempted by irresistible gifts from delicious room scents, snuggly fur throws, sparkling silver and glassware for Christmas tables to larger items such as stylish mirrors and lighting. All purchases are gift wrapped and during December the showroom is open 7 days a week. 59 High Street, Teddington. TW11 8HA, 020 8943 4144; showroom@jennyblanc.com; jennyblanc.com; Click & Collect with Streethub: streethub.com

In the macabre tradition of the BBC’s classic 1970s programme, Ghost Stories for Christmas, we present a theatrical performance featuring new adaptations of classic spine-chillers. An evening of vengeful revenants, restless spirits and malevolent ghouls is guaranteed for those brave enough to join us! 13th December, 7.30pm. £15 pp. Advance booking required at strawberryhillhouse.org.uk

INSIDER DEALINGS

Established for over 20 years, Insider Dealings in Chiswick offers a professional and creative interior design service. Whether you are entertaining over the Christmas season and are searching for the perfect wallpaper or fabric to complete the decoration of a room, or your requirement is for an entire refurbishment, our team are happy to undertake any project. 135 Chiswick High Road, W4 2ED 020 8994 1030; insiderdealingsw4.com

JO BLU SALON

HILTON LONDON SYON PARK

Put yourself into the safe hands of Jo Blu’s creative team and let them work their magic. Beautifully transformed hair and skin with the use of their natural, luxurious smelling products that will leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed and ready to tackle the new season. 02089960616 joblusalon.co.uk

Tired of entertaining at home? Enjoy some of the finest food and drink in refined style and comfort at the Hilton London Syon Park. Parties are welcome with fabulous function rooms available to hire. Unwind before and after the party in one of the family friendly en-suite bedrooms. Open Sun-Thu 9am – 1am, Fri & Sat 10am – 1am. Christmas and New Year's bookings available now. 0207 870 7777; Syon Park, TW8; londonsyonpark.com

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KINDLE STOVES

Your local specialist in cleanburn woodburners, Kindle Stoves offers a full supply and installation service. With a wide choice of contemporary as well as traditional styles, a wood burning stove brings a lovely focal point into a home. Visit our showroom to see hot live displays of stoves as well as fireside accessories and seasoned wood. 1 Station Road, Teddington, TW11 9AA 020 8973 3995; kindlestoves.co.uk

1 OF 1

1 of 1: boutique, art gallery and children’s party venue in one. Featuring 1 of 1 own brand of award-winning up-cycled jewellery, women’s and menswear as well as art and a range of quirky, eclectic home designs. Regular art exhibitions plus glass and ceramics from contemporary makers, as well as mid 20th century classics. 80 High St Teddington TW11 8JD; 020 8977 0080; info@1of1design.co.uk; 1of1design.co.uk

MACKEN BROTHERS Established in 1960, this family run butchers provides a friendly and knowledgeable service to its customers. Their Scottish beef is aged on the premises for a minimum of 21 days and they have an extensive range of poultry for the festive season. Now taking orders for Christmas and New Year for collection and free local delivery. 44 Turnham Green Terrace, W4 1QP mackenbrothers.co.uk

LONDON GIFT & HAMPER CO.

ORANGE TREE Boasting a stunning new-look and 13 boutique bedrooms, The Orange tree has been reborn. Throughout the festive season, The Orange Tree will be serving seasonal fare alongside an array of cask ales, craft beers and a wine collection bursting with old and new favourites. Rooms are available from £119 per night. The Orange Tree, 45 Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 2NQ; 020 8940 0944; orangetree@ youngs.co.uk; orangetreerichmond.co.uk

The London Gift & Hamper Co. fills that gap for quality, food products, fine wines and stylish presentation. With a range of quality Christmas hampers, starting from £35 - £850, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for your friends and loved ones. Delivered in our stylish gift boxes or keepsake Croc Trunks, you’ll be sure to make a memorable impression this festive season. 020 8362 0140 londongiftandhamper.com

MAISON As Christmas draws ever closer, Maison has it all wrapped up. There are literally hundreds of stunning Christmas decorations and gorgeous gift ideas to choose from. There is also still time to order from our extensive furniture ranges as many items can still be delivered before Christmas. Make your house beautiful this Christmas at Maison. 5-7 Hill Rise, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6UQ; 020 8332 2337; maisonhomeinteriors.com

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REAL ALE

Award-winning Real Ale are a local, independent drinks specialist. They specialise in craft beer and can supply anything from bottles to beer in cask and keg. They also have a diverse selection of wines, including Champagne. Make sure you visit them this Christmas for the perfect alternative gift! Their fantastic ‘12 craft beers of Christmas’ includes 6 beers uniquely brewed well as tasting notes with food matches and an attractive gift case. 371 Richmond road, Twickenham, TW1 2EF realale.com

OSKA

SNAPPY SNAPS

Comfort, texture and simplicity are key elements of The OSKA Autumn/Winter 2014 collection. Made up in unique and innovative fabrics, the silhouettes are extremely flattering. Colours are elegant and understated. As pieces are ideal for layering, it is easy to buy and achieve the perfect winter wardrobe. Luxurious leather, soft boiled wool and cosy knitwear are all integral to the range. london.oska.com

Snappy Snaps Chiswick, Snappy Studio Chiswick and Chiswick Custom Framing cater for almost every conceivable photographic need and service, from family portraits to photo gifts and picture framing. All with one thing in common: we love photographs. Contact them now for their Christmas offers and don’t forget their click and collect service. 182 Chiswick High Road, Chiswick, W4 1PP 020 8994 0854; snappysnaps-chiswick.co.uk

R H CARPETS If you’re looking for something a little different, RH Carpets, a family run carpet showroom established in 1993 in Chiswick, is a must see. They offer 20% discount on major brands including Crucial Trading, Aternative Flooring & Brintons, a stunning range of rugs and stair runners, with a full measuring and fitting service. 193 Chiswick High Road W4 2DR, 0208 742 0770; rhcarpets.co.uk

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ROCK & ROSE RESTAURANT We host the best parties in town and Christmas is certainly our time of the year to shine. From the 1st of December we’re doing a delicious party menu for 8 guests or more. Book Now! 3 Courses £34.95! Join us for Cocktail Hour Mon - Fri 5-7pm rockandroserestaurant.co.uk

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WILLIAM CLARENCE EDUCATION

Kick start the New Year with finding the perfect professional tutor for your son or daughter. We have specialist teams of private tutors to cover every subject from Maths, English and languages to History, Geography and Politics; all at GCSE, A-Level and degree level study. Contact William Clarence Education on 0207 412 8988 or visit williamclarence.com

TENPILATES The perfect look-and-feel-good Xmas gift, the TenPilates Gift Card can be used for anything and everything we offer. From our impressively effective Classes, PTs and Massage to beautifully cut activewear from Lorna Jane, HPE and Pepper & Mayne, hair and skincare products from cult New York brand Malin+Goetz, and our healthy and delicious drinks and snacks. Perfect for a happy Christmas – and a healthy New Year. tenpilates.com

TOKO JEWELLERY

Just off Richmond Green, Toko has long been a destination for sterling silver jewellery, but our new collections are really very special indeed. Sparkling Gold Vermeil pieces, which are just perfect for the party season, and a range of beautiful semi-precious stones, including carnelian, pink chalcedony and amazonite, are naturally colourful and will add designer style to any outfit. 18 Brewer’s Lane, Richmond, TW9 1HH; 020 8332 6620; tokojewellery.com

YVON’S ARTISAN PATISSERIE

Award-winning French chef pâtissier, Yvon Coignard, CMA, has brought high-end patisserie to the Queen of the Suburbs. Pop in to this cosy haven of indulgence in Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre for an exquisite cake or something savoury. 9 Oak Road, Ealing Broadway, W5 3SS; 020-8840 3768 www.facebook.com/yvonpatisserie

VELASHAPE III Treat yourself or loved one to a Sexier Smoother Figure – Visible results in as little as 1 Treatment or 3 shorter treatments 2 weeks apart. VelaShape III contours, shapes and slims the body by improving cellulite and reducing circumference. VelaSahpe III provides dramatic results without downtime or significant discomfort. Book a free trial and personalised treatment plan on 020 8747 47466. Located within the Hogarth Club, Chiswick, London W4 2NW aestheticsurgeryclinic.co.uk

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DISCOVERMORE

Embracing an innovative, modern approach whilst keeping traditional values at its core, Kew House School takes an exciting stance on 21st century education. With state-of-the-art facilities, a broad curriculum and excellent pastoral care, Kew House is

Open Days November 19th/28th (7pm/9.30am) December 3rd/9th (7pm/9.30am)

a place where you would want to be â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a place of learning and

January 12th/21st (9.30am/7pm)

discovery, laughter and friendship.

January 30th (9.30am)

T: 0208 742 2038 E: info@kewhouseschool.com W: www.kewhouseschool.com

The new independent co-educational senior school for students aged 11-18 in West London KHS.indd 1

@kewhouseschool

27/10/2014 10:05

> CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE FOR THE LITTLE ONES

p. 73

MUM-TO-BE DIARY

p. 75

AN EDUCATION

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WISH UPON A STAR Founded by HRH Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece back in 2001, Marie-Chantal Childrenswear stocks the perfect little party dresses that are literally fit for a princess. Winter White Folk Dress, ÂŁ125; mariechantal.co.uk

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KEW GREEN preparatory school

An Independent School for Boys and Girls aged 4-11 “My children run to school as if it were their first day. I owe it to you and your colleagues. Kew Green Preparatory exudes a comfortable, confident, nurturing and safe aura, where I feel my children delight in being the bright, chirpy and playful individuals that they are.” Parent of Children in Years 3 & 6

Open Mornings 9:15am Wednesday, 19th November 2014

9:15am Wednesday, 4th February 2015

9:15am Wednesday, 14th January 2015

9:15am Wednesday, 4th March 2015

To register your attendance at one of our open mornings, please phone 020 8948 5999 or mail secretary@kgps.co.uk

Kew Green Preparatory School

Layton House, Ferry Lane, Kew Green, Richmond TW9 3AF

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RAVENSCOURT PARK

preparatory school

An Independent School for Boys and Girls aged 4-11 Our pupils now enjoy a new theatre, library, specialist facilities for art, music and science and a new suite of teaching areas. “The school fulfils its mission to o er children the opportunity to succeed, to be recognised and to be valued. It achieves its aim to develop the intellectual, emotional and ethical re uirements to tackle the challenges that life will present... they nurture, guide, motivate and inspire, and it is a school of smiles and laughter where there is much fun to be had.” Independent Schools Inspectorate 2010

Open Mornings 9:30am Tuesday, 18th November 2014

9:30am Thursday, 5th February 2015

9:30am Wednesday, 21st January 2015

9:30am Wednesday, 11th March 2015

To register your attendance at one of our open mornings, please phone 0208 84 9153 or mail secretary@rpps.co.uk

Ravenscourt Park Prep School 16 Ravenscourt Avenue, London W6 0SL

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03/11/2014 15:35

KIDS & EDUCATION / GIFT GUIDE GIGI BROOKS Rocket

Beanbag, £140; gigibrooks.com

GIGI BROOKS

Sofa Mood, £398; gigibrooks.com

PAPERO

Hot Air Balloons, £12 set of 3; conranshop.co.uk

STEIFF

Classic 1935 Fellow Terrier, £135; steiff.com

THE FOLIO SOCIETY The Hobbit, £29.95; foliosociety.com

RATATAM

Tiger and Polar Bear Costumes, £88 each; en.smallable.com

MARKS & SPENCER Snowman Plush, £19.50; marksandspencer.com

STEIFF

Mickey Mouse, £150; steiff.com

SKOOT

Ride-On Suitcase, £57.95; harrods.com

BRITISH LIBRARY

Paddington Suitcase Set of 8 Books, £14.99; shop.bl.uk

WILD & WOLF

Gruffalo Cutlery Set, £11.95; wildandwolf.com

WILD & WOLF

Mr Men & Little Miss Breakfast Set, £14.95; wildandwolf.com

gigibrooks.com

GIGI BROOKS

Army Grey Shark Attack 3D Bike, £650; gigibrooks.com

GIFTS FOR KIDS

ELFIE

Dorothy Gold Glitter Shoes, £54; elfielondon.com

HEDGEHOG

Stocking fillers and showstoppers for little ones

HEDGEHOG

Table Football, £2,995; hedgehogshop.co.uk

Indian Teepee, £83; hedgehogshop.co.uk

MARKS & SPENCER Santa Dress, £14; marksandspencer.com

BRITISH LIBRARY

PROFESSOR PUZZLE

London in a Bag, £12.50; shop.bl.uk

Dinosaur Construction Kits and Activity Book, £5; habitat.co.uk

73 Chis_Dec_Kids_Gifts.indd 73

DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 12:44

FULLERTON

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Maison1412_Absolutely.indd 1 31/01/2014 17:39

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ADVERT PLACEMENTS2.indd 6

15/10/2012 10:42

03/11/2014 15:39

KIDS & EDUCATION / MUM-TO-BE

GREAT EXPECTATIONS A regular column tracking the highs and lows of pregnancy from the first inkling to the final push

BY SERAPHINE

Wo r d s H E L E N B A R O N

’ve decided to look at being pregnant at Christmas as some sort of weird and wonderful social experiment. I refuse to be put off by a month that is traditionally filled with office gettogethers, fun outings with family and friends and booze-fuelled parties. Surely I can reconceptualise socialising as an opportunity for riveting (rather than drunken) conversation? I can spend quality time with friends capitalising on the season’s wealth of decent exhibitions, plays and cultural pursuits, things I would never usually get round to doing – like going to see The Nutcracker or perusing a Christmas Market? Or maybe now is the time to make new friends – pregnant ones, the kind who can become a pillar of support in the months to come? My calendar needn’t be dry just because I am… right? One positive is that I can eat mince pies and stollen (love that stuff ) with abandon this year. In addition, I have the perfect reason not to be drawn out of my zen state by the usual stresses of yuletide logistics. I shall embrace my urge to nest and get cosy; I shall make the most of the virtues of online shopping (all the better for being able to buy a few supercute baby things while I’m at it); and I’ll be distracted, I hope, from the recent nagging idea that pregnancy seems to last an awfully long time.

Until now, I’ve remained surprisingly un-hormonal and calm – only succumbing to the occasional freak-out over the ever-expanding ‘no-can-do’ list. In a well-intentioned bid to get my baby off to a superfood-laden start, I knocked back a cold-pressed kale juice, only to discover that unpasteurised juices are a no-no: error. I’ve already switched to decaf coffee because, and maybe this seems silly in retrospect, I wasn’t quite aware of how much caffeine I was actually consuming what with my tea, chocolate and Diet Coke intake. Though I by no means guzzle any of the above, it’s better to err on the side of caution. As my bump gets bigger and the temperature turns, I can also no longer get away with maxi dresses – my so-called ‘baggy’ boyfriend jeans aren’t so baggy anymore and my trusty dungarees look decidedly too tight for purpose. Tiffany Rose is a good heads up for maternity occasionwear at this time of year (they even do ballgowns for mums-to-be, if you’re in need of such attire) and discovering Seraphine maternity jeans has saved me from the perilous lure of maternity leggings. Come the New Year, I’ll be looking more closely at antenatal classes and birth plans, as I pass the halfway point and head into the home straight. Until then, Santa and I have something in common – we’re both big fans of elasticated waistbands. u

of the best for

EVENINGWEAR 01

UNPASTEURISED juices are a NO-NO: ERROR

75 B&C_Nov_Great_Exp.indd 75

1. VINTAGE CAPE GOWN DRESS IN BLUSH NOIR, £249 2. LUCIA WINDSOR DRESS IN BLUE, £225 3. CHLOE LACE DRESS IN BLACK, £140, All dresses from tiffanyrose.com

DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 10:35

ver For a

MERRY CHRISTMAS ENJOY A STUDIO SHOOT WITH ONE 6X4 ART BLOCK INCLUDED!

FOR ONLY £35.00

Snappy Snaps 182 Chiswick High Road, Chiswick,London W4 1PP 020 8994 0854 www.snappysnaps-chiswick.co.uk

KIDS & EDUCATION / SCHOOL TALK

Grab a Granny

Can’t pay the school fees? Then find yourself a wealthy grandparent who can. Absolutely learns how the older generation are lending a helping hand Wo r d s A m a n d a C o n s ta n c e

‘Y

ou should see them at the school gates,’ says a teacher at a desirable west London prep. ‘They are amazing, dressed head-totoe in expensive clothes. They come swanning in to the playground like it’s a catwalk.’ She’s not talking about the mothers, but the glamorous grannies who are becoming a more familiar sight in London’s smartest playgrounds. And more often than not, these turbo-charged septuagenarians are not just doing the school run but often paying the school fees, too. With exorbitant school fees, maxed out mortgages, rising living costs and salary increases in the deep freeze, many parents are struggling to manage. Their own parents, on the other hand, are rolling in it. Due to the property boom, many over-60s are sitting pretty on a pile of dosh – either because of sizeable equity in their home or because they realized good returns when downsizing. A spokesman at the Independent Schools Fees Advice service says: ‘We are increasingly finding grandparents assisting in the funding of their grandchildren’s school fees. Some independent schools are even holding open days just for grandparents.’ And their help is much needed. Figures from the Independent Schools Council last year showed that where three children between the ages of eight and 18 are at an independent school simultaneously, the average cost can reach more than £60,000 in one year alone. Another survey found a quarter of parents who send their children to private schools could only do so with

SOME INDEPENDENT

schools are holding OPEN DAYS just for

GRANDPARENTS

the help of their parents. And one in ten of those questioned admitted to using retirement savings to cover the cost of spiralling school fees. Richard Boyd of Duncan Lawrie Private Bank, which commissioned the poll, says: ‘While many children may be lucky enough to benefit from scholarships and bursaries, there are still many parents who are having to find significant amounts of money to keep their children in private school.’ For many parents, it is a constant – and private – struggle. A mother with children at a well-known south-west London prep says, ‘You’d actually be amazed at how many parents aren’t paying the fees, more often than not it’s their own parents, but you wouldn’t know it in the playground.’

77 Chiswick_Dec_Education.indd 77

Another mother, whose children are at a smart north London prep, is less charitable. ‘You can just tell the ones who aren’t paying by the way they look,’ she says, witheringly. Aside from the warm glow they achieve by funding their grandchildren’s education, drip-feeding those school fees has other advantages for grandparents. The real bonus is the efficient use of inheritance tax (IHT) allowances that come as a result of setting up discretionary trusts for school fees. Grandparents can hollow out their equity or pass on savings to the tune of £325,000 – the threshold for the nil-rate tax band – in the form discretionary trusts without incurring any taxation – provided they survive for seven years after making the contribution. If they survive for this period the gift falls outside their estate under IHT rules. There are also potential income tax advantages, too, as a grandchild – as a nontax payer - can often reclaim significant income tax (most often at 50%) already paid by the grandparents on the funds. A study done last December has suggested that grandparents supplementing school fees was one of the reasons that pupil numbers at independent schools did not fall with the recession. The study by mtm consulting questioned 6,200 parents with children at fee-paying schools. It found that 25% of London parents admitted to receiving financial help with their fees. One London parent says, ‘It’s the ultimate shame... Not being able to manage the school fees.’ But another sums up what many of us probably feel: ‘If my parents could afford to pay for my children to go to private school, I’d be bloody thrilled.’ u

DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 10:16

> CHRISTMAS RECIPES FROM THE GINGER PIG

p. 82

THE ULTIMATE FOODIE GIFT GUIDE

p. 87

SEASON’S EATING ’Tis the season to stuff yourself silly, but take the stress out of catering for the whole family with luxury canapés and ready-made bites from Marks & Spencer. After all, this is not just Christmas party food... marksandspencer.com

79 Chiswick_Dec_Food_Opener.indd 79

DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 10:31

R EC I P E t o t r y a t h o m e

COPAS TURKEY TIPS By Elizabeth Hutton

kitchen

CONFIDENTIAL West London’s festive food news, served with all the trimmings

n the first frosty evening of the year, Absolutely joined Brenda and Tom Copas Jr from the critically acclaimed, family-owned Copas Turkeys for a Christmas cookery & carvery masterclass. Having (apparently) mastered the art, here’s what we learnt:

Wo r d s E L A I N E O ' C O N N E L L

THE PERFECT ROAST 01 Quarter an onion and core a Cox’s apple. Place these in the body cavity with a sprig of rosemary. Only ever stuff from the neck and fill it full of sausage meat and sage. 02 Cook the bird on its back until the last half an hour of roasting. This will keep the breast meat succulent while the brown meat cooks evenly. Insert Copas’ heat-activated pop-up timer into the breast and only remove the turkey from the oven once this has popped-up. 03 For homemade gravy, boil the vaccuum-packed giblets provided in water with celery, carrot, sage, rosemary, parsley, bay leaf, pepper and salt for a couple of hours. Once the turkey is out and resting, transfer this stock into the baking tray and scrape off all the delicious caramelised flavours from the bottom of the tin.

THE SKILLFUL CARVERY 01 Once the turkey has been rested, hold the leg by the knuckle and twist while slicing along the space where the leg meets the body. Once removed, slice large pieces of meat away from the drumstick. To do the same to the wing, simply slice through the joint and pull. 02 For the breast meat, slowly follow the breastbone with your knife and carefully cut from one side at an angle. Cutting along the grain of the meat will make the most out of the turkey and result in evenly succulent slices. 03 Every turkey has an extremely tender and juicy round piece of meat hidden in the middle of its backbone. This is called the ‘oyster’. To locate, place the turkey on it’s back and poke around – it’s a bit of guess work but dig in and it should pop out.

THE DETAILS Order online or search for local stockists at copasturkeys.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Chiswick_Dec_Food_Notes.indd 80

Dress it up Fe s t i v e F i s h a t Wa i t r o s e

This year, Waitrose have really outdone themselves in the Christmas food stakes with their Festive Fish range. The highlight has to be these show-stopping Dressed Canadian Lobsters topped with prawn mousse. Christmas lunch sorted. £23 for 2, Waitrose, 356-362 Chiswick High Road, W4; waitrose.com

80 03/11/2014 10:27

FOOD & DRINK / NOTES co c kta i l hour

CHRISTMAS PUD

Mixed by charlotte's, W4

Hotel Café Royal

The Mulled Martini

Thought you'd heard of every food combination possible? Step aside Cronut, it's time for the Minceroon – a delicious hybrid of mince pie flavour and macaroon created for the festive season at London's Hotel Café Royal. hotelcaferoyal.com

AFTERNOON DELIGHT Wa r r e n H o u s e

There are plenty of places to go to for Christmas lunch, but the historic stately home, Warren House, is quite the hidden gem. As well as lunch and dining options, they'll also be hosting special festive afternoon teas from early November, all served in front of a roaring fire. Bliss. For prices and info see: warrenhouse.com

editor’s

PICK

The team at Charlotte’s have come up with this tasty twist on a Christmas classic. ◆ 1 tbsp Quince & Cardamom Jam*, 20ml Lillet Rouge, dash Gomme syrup, 50ml Masons Yorkshire Gin. *For the jam: 1 kg quince, 1/2 kg Gomme (1 part caster sugar, 1 part water), 10g green cardamon pods METHOD

To make the jam, core and dice quince, de-shell cardamom pods, cook quinces and cardamom in Gomme until soft, then strain and blend. Shake all ingredients, strain into a martini glass and finish with orange zest garnish.

Pub

of the month

SWEET TREAT Hotel Chocolat

Wo r d s R o s e n o e l

Know someone who has been very, very good this year? Treat them to Hotel Chocolat’s indulgent Box of Christmas, which includes beautifully presented pecan bûche, butterscotch puddles and even a cheeky bottle of fizz. £25, Available at Hammersmith Broadway, W6; hotelchocolat.com

The George IV

BREAKFAST CLUB T h e L i m e Ya r d

New to Ealing and the ever-growing number of all-day diner style eateries is the Limeyard, a stylish, industrial-chic cafe & restaurant. We recommend making a morning of it with a decadent weekend breakfast – the avocado on toast is to die for. limeyardrestaurant.com

81 Chiswick_Dec_Food_Notes.indd 81

ocal brewers Fuller’s continue their London reign with the launch of the George IV pub on Chiswick High Road. A good old-fashioned watering hole at its core with plenty of local ales and seasonal food, there’s also a contemporary twist with the inclusion of a speakeasy-style mezzanine bar. Sure to tick all the boxes for the Christmas party. u L

185 Chiswick High Road, W4; georgeiv.co.uk

DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 10:28

FOOD & DRINK / RECIPES

Three-Bird Celebration Roast S erves 1 0 Takes 5 h ours • 5kg (11lb) goose, tunnel-boned • 1.3kg (3lb) chicken, tunnel-boned and skinned • 1 pheasant, tunnel-boned and skinned • 25g (10oz) flour

For th e stock • Bird bones from butcher • 2 carrots • 2 celery sticks, cut in half • 2 onions, peeled • 1 bouquet garni

For th e stuffi n g • 1kg (2lb 4oz) pork sausage meat • 3 shallots, peeled and diced • 2 garlic cloves, peeled, crushed and diced • 4 apples, peeled and grated • Zest and juice of 2 oranges • 1 tbsp chopped sage leaves • 1 tbsp chopped parsley • Sea salt • Freshly ground black pepper

ME T HO D 01 First make the stock. Place the bones in a pan and add the carrots, celery, onions and bouquet garni, cover with water and simmer for 1 1/2 hours. Strain discarding the solids, then simmer the stock again to reduce to about 750ml (1 ¼ pints).

The Ginger Pig’s Alt e r n a ti v e C h r i s t m a s Roa s t

R e c i p e s b y t i m w i l s o n a n d f r a n wa r d e

B&C_Dec_Recipe.indd 82

03 Fill the pheasant with a small amount of the stuffing and place inside the chicken. Carefully insert a layer of stuffing between the pheasant and chicken. Place these two birds inside the goose, then insert the remaining stuffing between the chicken and goose, working it to recreate the shape of the outer bird. 04 Secure each end with a couple of skewers to keep the stuffing inside.

Tired of turkey? This year we’ve called on local butchers the Ginger Pig for advice on alternative meat dishes to serve this Christmas

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

02 Meanwhile put all the stuffing ingredients in a bowl, add seasoning and mix thoroughly by hand.

05 Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4. Place the three-bird roast in a lightly oiled roasting tin, cover with a foil tent and cook for 3 hours and 20 minutes, checking and basting a couple of times. Remove the foil and roast for a further 40 minutes so that the skin can crisp up. 06 When cooked through, transfer the roast to a warm serving plate, cover and keep warm for at least 25 minutes before carving. 07 Meanwhile, make the gravy. Sprinkle the flour into the roasting tin and blend until smooth. Place over the heat and slowly pour in the stock, stirring constantly until boiling and just thickened. Season and serve hot with the three-bird roast. ◆

82 03/11/2014 11:33

FOOD & DRINK / RECIPES

Indian Roast Game Birds S e r ves 4 - 5 Ta k es 1 ho ur p l us o v e rn igh t m a r i n a ti n g I n gr e d i e nts • 4 small game birds e.g. pigeon, partridge, pheasant • 1 tbsp oil

F or th e Marinade • 6 cloves • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon • 2 tsp ground coriander • Generous grating of fresh nutmeg • 1 tsp turmeric • 2 tsp ground cumin • 8 cardamom pods • 2 tsp cayenne pepper • 2 tsp sea salt • 5cm (2in) piece of fresh root ginger, peeled and roughly chopped • 5 garlic cloves, crushed, peeled and roughly chopped • 200ml (7fl oz) natural yoghurt • Zest and juice of 1 lemon

ME T HO D 01 First make the marinade. Put all the spices and salt in a blender and whiz together until all finely ground. Add the ginger, garlic and onion and whiz again until you have a paste. Finally, blend in the yoghurt, lemon zest and juice. 02 Skin the birds and cut in half along the breastbone and then the spine. Cut these pieces in half and score 3 slashes in the flesh of each piece. Place in the marinade and stir to coat thoroughly. Cover and place in the fridge overnight. 03 Remove the chilled game from the fridge at least 1 hour before starting to cook, so it can come up to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/gas mark 6 and heat the oil in a large roasting tin.

Roast Duck With Cherries

04 Arrange the game in a single layer in the tin and place at the top of the oven. Cook for 8-10 minutes, then turn and cook for a further 8-10 minutes. Serve with spiced rice, a tomato, onion and coriander salad, and naan breads. ◆

Cherries will be out of season over Christmas but don’t feel ashamed to use a tin of cherries to add a juicy sauce to this simple but delicious roast duck.

S erves 2-3 I N G RE DIE N TS • 2kg (4lb 8oz) Yorkshire duck • Sea salt • Freshly ground black pepper • 200g (7oz) cherries, stoned • 50ml (2fl oz) Port • 75ml (3fl oz) chicken stock • 4 sprigs of thyme • 2 tbsp Ginger Pig Redcurrant jelly

ME T HO D 01 Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4. Trim the duck of any excess skin and remove the fat from the inside cavity at the neck end. Jab the duck all over with a finepronged fork to help release the excess fat while cooking. Season well and place the duck on a roasting cradle over a roasting tin. Cook in the oven for 1 ¼ hours. 02 Increase the oven temperature to 220°C/425°F/gas mark 7 and roast for a further 20 minutes until the juices run clear when the thickest part of the leg is pierced with a skewer and the skin is crispy. Remove the duck from the oven and leave it to rest in a warm place for 15 minutes. 03 Remove the excess fat from the roasting pan with a metal spoon and pour the cooking juices into a saucepan with the cherries, Port, stock, thyme and Ginger Pig redcurrant jelly. Bring to a boil and simmer to reduce by half. Add any juices that have come from the resting duck. Carve the duck and serve with the cherries and juices. ◆

83 B&C_Dec_Recipe.indd 83

DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 11:33

CHRISTMAS 2014 3 COURSES £26 DRINKS DISCOUNTS OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY

THE

DUKE OF

SUSSEX

Please call 020 8742 8801 for reservations | Please visit our website for further information www.thedukeofsussex.co.uk The Duke of Sussex 75 South Parade, Chiswick, London W4 5LF | email : info@thedukeofsussex.co.uk

ADVERT PLACEMENTS2.indd 7

03/11/2014 15:46

FOOD & DRINK / RECIPES

Pork & Cranberry Sausage Roll Ma k es 12

ME T HO D To make the pastry, sift the flour into a large bowl. Melt 50g (2oz) of the butter and mix with the salt, vinegar and 230ml (8fl oz) of ice cold water. Add this liquid to the flour and mix to a smooth dough. Cover in Clingfilm and place in the fridge for 1 hour. 01

I N GR E D I E NTS • 550g (1lb 4oz) minced pork • 175g (6oz) pork fat, minced • 100g (3½oz) breadcrumbs • 2tsp dried mixed herbs • 1tsp chopped sage • 150g (5½oz) stilton cheese, crumbled • 50g fresh cranberries • Sea salt • Freshly ground black pepper • 1 egg, beaten (for brushing the pastry)

F or th e past ry • 600g (1lb 5oz) very strong white flour, preferably ‘00’ • 450g (1lb) chilled butter • Pinch of salt • 2tbsp white wine vinegar

02 Place the remaining butter between 2 sheets of Clingfilm and roll it out to the thickness of your finger. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the chilled pastry to a rectangle just over twice the size of the butter. Place the butter in the middle and fold the sides of the pastry over it. Roll out again to a rectangle the same size as it was before the butter was added, then fold in thirds. Roll out once more, give it a quarter turn and fold in thirds again. Cover in Clingfilm and chill for 1 hour. Repeat the rolling and folding 4 more times, adding a light dusting

85 B&C_Dec_Recipe.indd 85

of flour each time, then wrapping and chilling as before. Leave to rest in the fridge overnight. 03 Combine the pork and fat in a bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, herbs, cheese, cranberries, seasoning and 125ml (4fl oz) of water. Mix with your hands until evenly blended. Chill overnight. 04 Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4. Roll the pastry out to about 40 x 30cm (16 x 12in) and cut it into 3 lengthways strips about 10cm (4in) wide. Work the sausage meat into a long roll as thick as your thumb and place along a strip of pastry. Brush the exposed pastry with egg, then roll over and crimp the edges. Repeat twice more. Brush with egg, place on a baking sheet and bake for 50 minutes. ◆

Recipes taken from The Ginger Pig Meat Book and Farmhouse Cook Book (Mitchell Beazley)

DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 11:34

MACKEN BROTHERS

For all your free range, naturally fed meat, poultry and game.

Now taking orders for Christmas & New Year for collection and delivery. Free local delivery service available.

020 8994 2646 mackenbrothers.co.uk

YOUR LOCAL SPECIALIST IN CLEANBURN STOVES -Suitable for burning wood in smoke control areas - Full supply and installation service to include fireplace alterations, hearth laying, chimney lining, twin wall flue systems - Approved stockists of the world renowned Clearview Stoves as well as Rais, Contura, Morso and West fire - A wide range of styles to suit any home - Save money on fuel bills by investing in carbon neutral - Highly efficient, cleanburn stoves. - Family run and fully HETAS approved Call or visit us in our

Teddington showroom: london@kindlestoves.co.uk 0208 973 3995 1 Station Road, Teddington TW11 9AA

KINDLE.2.indd 1

ADVERT PLACEMENTS2.indd 4

02/09/2014 14:48

03/11/2014 15:48

FOOD & DRINK / GIFT GUIDE

CULINARY CONCEPTS Côtes de Provence Butter Dish with Glass Insert, £52; johnlewis.com

ANTHROPOLOGIE Farmer's Cabinet Cheese Knives, £38; anthropologie.eu

ALESSI

Ossidiana Espresso Coffee Maker by Mario Trimarchi, from £35; alessi.com

VANQUISH

Cognac Delemain Voyage Carafe, £5,150; gift-library.com

MAKERS & MERCHANTS

Very Merry Christmas Bauble Chocolates, £4; heals.co.uk

THE LEXINGTON COMPANY

Hampton Bayside Apron, £85; lexingtoncompany.com

WHITTARD

The Luxury Hot Chocolate Hamper, £15; whittard.co.uk

HARRODS

Moving Train Cake, £150; harrods.com

SALVATORE FERRAGMO

100 Points by James Suckling Leather Briefcase for Lalique, Black Edition, £5,900; lalique.com

HARRODS

Daylesford Complete Christmas Hamper, £500; harrods.com

GIFTS FOR FOODIES

GLEN GRANT

The Glen Grant 50 Year Old, £3.500; thewhiskyexchange.com

CARLUCCIO’S

Albero di Natale, £2.95; carluccios.com

GÜ

Limited Edition Luxury Bauble Collection, £85; gupuds.com

Christmas is a time for gluttons, so spoil them rotten ROCOCO

Nutcracker Chocolate, £42; conranshop.co.uk

WILLIAM CURLEY

The Wuyi Collection, £25; williamcurley.com

THE FOOD MINISTRY Cake in a Can, £4.99; yumbles.com

87 Dec_Food_Gift_Guide.indd 87

DECEMBER 2014

03/11/2014 12:23

W Buy me a

DRINK 31dover.com is a new online service that's revolutionising the way we buy and gift drinks. Absolutely investigates

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

NH_Nov_ADV 31dover_v6.indd 88

ho wants to carry bags of bottles home? They're heavy and awkward â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to say nothing of the inelegant clanking. Shopping for alcohol is something that lends itself brilliantly to the web and new site 31dover.com is revolutionising the way that Londoners buy drinks, whether it's a single bottle, enough for a wedding party or even a mass corporate gifting initiative. Styling itself as the net-a-porter of the alcohol world, 31dover.com offers not only a wide range of products but also a very reliable next-day delivery service and a price match guarantee. Besides making drinks buying easier, 31dover.com will help buyers make informed choices. Want to try something unusual? Browse the range of spirits and you'll find a rare Guatemalan rum, a Roberto Cavalli vodka and over 40 types of whisky, all of them personally recommended by the team of experts. You'll find cocktail suggestions and lots of Champagne, plus wine, beer and mixers too. Whether it's a dinner party, a beautifully presented gift or a cocktail cabinet refill, 31dover.com is the site to visit. u

88 03/11/2014 11:14

ABSOLUTELY / PROMOTION

delaire graff

WANT TO TRY something UNUSUAL or find that special gift FOR CHRISTMAS?

delicious South African Chardonnay, packed full of the Stellenbosch sunshine and caressed by French oak. A light golden wheat colour, it has layered expressions of citrus and tropical fruit with subtle layers of honey and almonds in the background. The flavours are complimented by a delicate minerality. £10.99 ◆

Chilgrove Gin

roduced in small batches, Chilgrove is the first ever English gin to use grapes for its base distillation. This makes it incredibly smooth compared to lots of grain-based gins. Master Distiller Charles Maxwell then adds 11 botanicals, with juniper at the heart, to create a complex and elegant gin. Other additions include wild water mint, grains of paradise, citrus peel, coriander seed and iris. £28.95 ◆

Haig Club

aig Club™ is the new Single Grain Whisky developed in partnership H with sporting legend David Beckham. The liquid has been crafted using a unique process that combines grain whisky from three cask types. This creates a fresh, clean style that showcases butterscotch and toffee for an ultrasmooth taste. £44.95 ◆

Kraken Rum

raken Rum is blended with 14 spices & aged in oak casks for a minimum of 24 months. Chocolate sweetness & vanilla mingle with cinnamon, clove, ginger & orange. The finish is warming with rich vanilla and coffee with slight pepper notes. Drink it neat or serve it long with fresh lime juice or ginger beer. £20.99 ◆

Grey Goose

he original premium Vodka from the fertile lands of northern France, Grey Goose mill their whole wheat to a specific grade of flour before distillation begins. Filtering it 500 feet below the Champagne region of Cognac in pure spring water then ensures the end product is an untainted success. Soft and smooth to taste, almond and citrus flavours come to the fore. It’s perfect sipped neat straight from the freezer or in a Vodka Martini. Try the orange, pear and lemon versions too. £34 ◆

MoËt & Chandon

erhaps the most alluring and iconic Champagne today, Moët Imperial is a treasure of Champagne society. Moët’s taste is literally multifaceted, having been blended from over 100 different wines using a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grapes. Pair it with what you wish at the dinner table. £30 ◆

● 31dover.com promises next day delivery, whether it's one bottle or 100 –and free next day delivery when you spend over £100. For top rated service, a great selection and the best prices online, visit 31dover.com

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> UK GETAWAY: GRAVETYE MANOR

p. 93

SKIING, SHOPPING AND SIGHTSEEING IN NEW YORK STATE

p. 94

FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK There's nothing like New York in winter. Don't miss Abigail Butcher's upstate ski special on page 94, which takes us out of the Big Apple to the surrounding mountains for snowsports (and aprĂ¨s-ski) with a twist.

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Book your Christmas Party at For an enjoyable, stress free festive celebration, let us welcome you and your guests for a Christmas treat you won’t forget. Whether you’re wanting to book your annual work-do or wanting somewhere to celebrate with family and friends, we hope to welcome you at Sam’s. CHRISTMAS MENU AVAILABLE 1 st - 23 rd DECEMBER 2014

Visit www.samsbrasserie.co.uk to see our Christmas menu To book call us on 020 8987 0555 or email info@samsbrasserie.co.uk 11 Barley Mow Passage, Chiswick, London W4 4PH | Follow @SamsBrasserie

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TRAVEL / UK GETAWAY THE HOUSE

uilt in 1598, Gravetye Manor sits overlooking a private three acre lake within a 1,000 acre estate in the rolling Sussex countryside. Stepping through the doors of this historic Elizabethan house is like stepping back in time – Gravetye has mercifully been spared the generic trend-led interior update and still retains a classic period charm. Downstairs, you’ll find a cosy sitting room filled with squidgy sofas surrounding a roaring fire, as well as the restaurant and a bar leading out into the formal gardens. Upstairs are 17 antique-clad bedrooms, each named after one of the species of trees found on the estate. Stay in the Ash suite, the oldest room in the house complete with four poster bed, oak panelling and an imposing fireplace featuring carvings of original owner Richard Infield and his bride Katherine Compton, for whom he built the house. u

GRAVETYE MANOR SUSSEX

Wo r d s G E O R G I E L A N E - G O D F R E Y

THE GARDENS

THE RESTAURANT

esigned by William Robinson, ‘The Father of the English Flower Garden’, Gravetye’s gardens are considered to be some of the most important in British horticultural history. Wander out of the bar and you’ll find yourself in the midst of the flower garden. From there you can wander down through the wildflower meadow to the lake or head to the East Garden on the other side of the house, where the collection of Rhododendrons produces bursts of magnificent colour. If the sun in shining, stop for a game on the Croquet Lawn before climbing up to the Kitchen Garden, the only oval walled garden in England and the jewel in Gravetye’s crown. u

ead chef George Blogg serves Michelin-starred food in the atmospheric surrounds of a traditional oak-pannelled dining room. During summer months, 95 per cent of the produce used comes from Gravetye’s kitchen garden, meaning that you really are eating the freshest local produce possible. We recommend starting with the pancetta wrapped quail, served with smoked potato purée and shimeji mushrooms, followed by the herb crusted cannon of South Downs lamb. Save room for dessert – the acorn crème brûlée with walnut crumble and dark chocolate sorbet is a decadent taste of the English countryside. However, for the full experience, try the excellent seven course taster menu, featuring all the highlights from the Gravetye gardens. u

THE DAMAGE Stay at Gravetye Manor, West Hoathly, Sussex, from £240 per night, inclusive of full English Breakfast for two. The restaurant is open to non-residents for lunch and dinner reservations seven days a week with afternoon tea and garden tours also available to book. For more information please call 01342 810567 or visit gravetyemanor.co.uk.

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XXXXXX / XXXXXXX ADVENTURE

STATE OF PLAY This year, combine skiing, shopping and sightseeing in New York state for a quirky alternative to the Alps Wo r d s A b i g a i l B u t c h e r

o walk through Central Park, snow falling softly all around, temperatures of -20c nipping at your cheeks, must be one of the most magical of New York experiences. The ‘city that never sleeps’ is at its most atmospheric in the winter, encased in a thick blanket of snow to temporarily muffle the sounds of the bustling streets and slow the traffic. Bright yellow cabs throw a sharp contrast of colour against the white park, and a low winter sun burns brightly in the blue sky, belying the chilliness of the morning. Diving into a café for blueberry pancakes and a steaming mug of coffee to warm my hands, I feel hugely grateful for the warm clothes I packed in order to explore a side of New York rarely considered by Brits, outside the city. New York state is scattered with a surprising number of ski resorts to which city dwellers bolt at weekends and which offer a snapshot of rural America just a few hours’ drive from the Big Apple. The most obvious first stop is Windham Mountain in the Catskill Mountains; the

East Coast ski version of The Hamptons. A two-hour drive out of the city, this boutique resort is home to stunning, million-dollar timber-clad chalets dotted around the 52 tree-lined pistes — or ‘trails’ as they are called Stateside. This is no Trois Vallées, but there are 278 skiable acres served by 12 lifts — plenty to keep you amused for a weekend including a couple of unexpected steeps. Perhaps the name Upper Wheelchair should have been a warning — with a burst of enthusiasm on the beautifully groomed descent I went head over heels and decided it was time for a break, retiring to the divine oak-panelled Club at Windham to warm up with a hot cider. The waiters know a chilly skier when they see one and persuaded me to try a shot of cinnamon-flavoured Fireball whisky — creating possibly the best après-ski drink known to man. US ski resorts are not known for their ski-in, ski-out accommodation and New York State is no different. So instead grab a taste of rural Catskills in nearby North Creek, a slightly hippy but all-American town lined with clapperboard houses, antique shops, bakeries and delicatessens

Catskill Mountains are the ski version of The Hamptons

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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Whiteface Mountain ©NYSDED-Photo by Darren McGee.

TRAVEL / NEW YORK

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DECEMBER 2014

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TRAVEL / NEW YORK

as well as a couple of bars and eateries, including the fabulous Bar Vino. It’s also home to the charming Alpine Lodge with its sprawling, rustic but luxurious beds. Heaven after a hard day on the slopes. Drive on upstate another few hours towards the border with Canada, and you reach the Adirondacks, and stunning wooded scenery surrounding the two biggest New York state resorts of Gore and Whiteface. The 1980 Lake Placid Olympics were held up here and the US Olympic teams return each season to train — it’s ‘proper’ skiing here, with off-piste options, double blacks and wonderful long cruises among the glades. Neither resort is vast but both offer plenty for a couple of days on the slopes. The Adirondacks have a distinctly Alpine feel, with all of the skiing in the treeline; silver birch mixed with Scotch

pines and oaks. You can see for miles around from the top of these mountains — with views from Little Whiteface back on to Lake Placid a particular highlight. One of the best things about skiing in the US is the service, and the luxurious Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid is the best there can be. A 20-minute drive from Whiteface, the lodge was built by Olympic luge athlete Joe Barile and offers five-star US accommodation at its best, with a leading spa, cinema, ice rink, bowling alley, outdoor pool and hot tub plus a huge platter of s’mores (a sickly biscuit/Hershey bar/marshmallow mix) set beside a roaring fire. These ‘ma and pa’ resorts don’t compete with the likes of Aspen and Vail for ski area nor infrastructure, but they are filled with incomparable charm. Driving through the Adirondacks in the snow, watching children file on and off

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their yellow ‘cheese buses’ and meeting the local characters who run these little resorts is an experience that will stay with you for life. Fly in to Montreal and drive down state to New York City, or top-and-tail a weekend in the hills with time in the Big Apple and you’ll enjoy a winter trip to the States like no other. Mix up the rustic charm of the hills with the glitz and glamour of the city with a stay at the Mandarin Oriental, or the new Mad Max-styled Viceroy, both of which offer spectacular views of snowy Central Park and are just a stone’s throw from Columbus Circle. East Coast resorts get a bad rap for being chilly — but if you’re ready for that, and pack enough merino wool, it’s just part of the fun. It also means you are wrapped up properly for doing what visitors to New York City do best: tramping the salted streets, taking a trip on the Staten Island Ferry or walking across Brooklyn Bridge — just plunge yourself into New York’s frozen winter wonderland. u

u Rates at Mandarin Oriental, New York start from £395 per night on a B&B basis. For further info call +1 (212) 805 8800 mandarinoriental.com/newyork u Viceroy New York from £185 per room/ night ($309). Bookings: +1 855 647 1619 viceroyhotelsandresorts.com uBritish Airways operates a daily service from London Heathrow to New York fifty-six times a week. From £609 return incl taxes and charges. 0844 4930787; ba.com/New York  For more info on New York State, see iloveny.com

DECEMBER 2014

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FIND

THE

HOME

YOU D E S E RVE

PL.indd 2

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Ca ll now to cl ai m a

£3 0 G IF T VO U C H ER

to us e on yo ur ne xt vi sit

T: 020 8741 0714 T: 020 8741 3457 85/86 FELGATE MEWS, STUDLAND STREET, LONDON W6 0LY • all MakEs vEhiclE sErvicing, Mot and rEpairs • accidEnt rEpairs carriEd out • 100% guarantEE on parts and labour • frEE local collEction and dElivEry • frEE usE of loan cars EstablishEd sincE 1999 • MEMbErs of thE rMi (rEtail Motor industry) • “trust My garagE” approvEd MEMbEr • dEtailEd diagnostic work carriEd out

RUG specialise a wide selection RUGSTORE STORE SPECIALISE IN A WIDE in SELECTION OF NEW,old OLD AND PERSIAN, TURKISH, Turkish, of new, andANTIQUE Antique Persian, CAUCASIAN AND TURKMAN CARPETS. VARIOUS Caucasian and Turkman Carpets. Various ANTIQUE, OLD AND NEW KILIMS ARE AVAILABLE. antique, old and new kilims are available. They also professional THEY ALSO offer OFFER A a PROFESSIONAL HAND- hand-cleaning ANDRESTORATION BUYold and andCLEANING restoration service.SERVICE. TheyTHEY buy OLD AND ANTIQUE CARPETS- EVEN DAMAGED RUGS. antique carpets- even damaged rugs. PartPART-EXCHANGE AND EVALUATIONS. exchange and evaluations. 

312 UPPER RICHMOND ROAD WEST, EAST SHEEN, LONDON SW14 7JN 312 UPPER RICHMOND ROAD WEST, EAST SHEEN, LOND ON SW14 7JN TEL/FAX: 020 8876 0070 TEL / FA X: 020 8876 0070 info@rugstoreonline.co.uk www.rugstoreonline.co.uk INFO@RUGSTOREONLINE.C O.UK WWW.RUGSTOREONLINE.C O.UK

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Property Absolutely

December 2 014

> PROPERTY NEWS p. 117 IN THEIR OWN WORDS p. 106 PRIME PURCHASE p. 113 LIVING THE DREAM p.136

St James Street, Hammersmith, W6

ÂŁ1,395,000 Freehold

A wonderful flat-fronted Victorian house offering versatile accommodation all arranged over three floors and offered in extremely good condition throughout. St James Street is a quiet no-through road just south of Hammersmith Broadway and is within close proximity to the river.

020 7371 4466

winkworth.co.uk/hammersmith

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You may know us from walking your dog, local charity events or simply recognise a familiar face. Because many of our agents live where they work, they really understand what matters to buyers and sellers there. And because people know us, time and again we are able to sell and let properties more quickly and at a better price than anyone else.

T A N YA M C F E E LY S AL E S M AN AG ER

Tanya is a true Brook Green local since leaving her native Ireland five years ago. Having decided that Brook Green was an eclectic mixture of big city life and village familiarity, she decided it was not only a great place to live but also a great place to work. Consequently Tanya knows what is going on socially, communally and commercially in all corners of W14 and brings this unique perspective to the office every day.

C H E L S E A 0 2 0 7 5 8 9 6 67 7 — K E N S I N G T O N 0 2 0 7 7 9 5 42 8 8 N O T T I N G H I L L 0 2 0 7 2 2 1 4 8 0 5 — L A D B R O K E G R O V E 0 2 0 7 2 2 1 0 3 3 0 — B R O O K G R E E N 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1 L A N D & N E W H O M E S 0 2 0 7 3 1 3 7 7 1 1 — P R O P E R T Y M A N A G E M E N T 0 2 0 7 2 2 1 0 0 9 9 — C O M M E R C I A L 0 2 0 7 9 8 5 07 1 5 W W W. B EC TIVE .CO.U K FIND US ON

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P H OTO G R A P H S BY T I M CO L E W W W.TI M - CO LE .CO M

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FIND US ON

Bolingbroke Road

BROOK GREEN W14

Bolingbroke Road

BROOK GREEN W14

A late Victorian terraced house (193 sq m/2,075 sq ft approx.) which has recently remodelled and refurbished. Boasting generous proportions, this house is cleverly designed to maximise light with extensive glazing and a ground level gallery and double height ceiling in the dining area. 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), cloak room, reception room, kitchen/dining area, study, utility, garden. EPC Rating D.

An attractive and well presented late Victorian family home (220 sq m/2,207 sq ft approx.) with large windows and period features throughout. The house boasts good proportions and is presented in a neutral manner with high ceilings featuring plaster mouldings. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en suite), double reception room, kitchen/ dining room, utility room, study/bedroom 5, garden. EPC Rating E.

FREEHOLD £2,395,000 B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

FREEHOLD £2 ,175,0 0 0 B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

Edith Road

Sinclair Road

WEST KENSINGTON W14

BROOK GREEN W14

A stunning newly refurbished, bright and spacious maisonette (164 sq m/1,764 sq ft approx.) accessed on the raised ground floor of this Victorian mid terrace house. The property has been tastefully decorated in a neutral manner, with wood flooring through the reception areas. 3 bedrooms, 2 en suite bathrooms, shower room, reception room, open plan kitchen, utility room, cloak room, study/dressing room. EPC Rating E.

A nicely presented and generous garden flat (82 sq m/882 sq ft approx.) converted from a Victorian terraced house with broad proportions and high ceilings. This thoughtfully arranged flat is beautifully balanced with a large open plan reception room and dining area to the front, overlooking its own private courtyard. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), reception room, kitchen/dining area, utility room, garden. EPC Rating D.

LEASEHOLD £1, 525,0 0 0 B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

SHARE OF FREEHOLD £875,000 B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

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CHELSEA

COMMERCIAL

0 20 75 89 6 67 7

020 7985 0715

KENSINGTON

LAND & NEW HOMES

020 7795 4288

020 7313 7711

NOTTING HILL

PROPERT Y MANAGEMENT

020 7221 4805

020 7221 0099

LADBROKE GROVE 020 7221 0330 FIND US ON

BROOK GREEN 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

Coningham Road

SHEPHERD’S BUSH W12

Redan Street

BROOK GREEN W14

This very stylish, sophisticated house of 2,150 sq ft has been completely renovated and modernised. The house has two separate entrances and a stunning bespoke kitchen with generous dining and living space, with under floor heating and marble flooring. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en suite), reception room, reception room/bedroom 5, kitchen/dining room, cloakroom, utility room, garden. EPC Rating C.

A spacious cottage in the heart of Brook Green ideal for a family or for great entertaining space. The property boasts a double reception room with solid oak wood floors, an entrance hall, a separate modern kitchen with integrated appliances and plenty of space. 3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), double reception, eat in kitchen, garden, roof terrace.

UNFURNISHED £1,000 PER WEEK B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

UN FURN ISHED £795 PER WEEK B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

Ravensbourne Apartments

FULHAM RIVERSIDE SW6

Sinclair Road

BROOK GREEN W14

A high spec, newly built duplex apartment that offers fantastic views along the River Thames and the benefit of a private terrace and landscaped gardens. The apartment offers very large bedrooms and is built on one an undeveloped stretch of riverside in Central London. 2 bedrooms, 2 en suite bathrooms, cloakroom, open plan reception room/kitchen, roof terrace.

A fabulous flat that has been completely refurbished to provide superb accommodation and plenty of natural light. The flat has wooden flooring, brand new fully integrated kitchen and a fully tiled bathroom. The flat benefits from large bay windows that allow plenty of light throughout. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room, kitchen.

FURN ISHED £70 0 PER WEEK B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

UNFURNISHED £450 PER WEEK B R O O K G R E E N O F F I C E 0 2 0 76 0 3 51 8 1

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IN THEIR OWN WORDS

James Matthews Owner of Whitman & Co.

Photography: rebecca noonan

y move to London started out in Tooting Broadway, but I soon realised getting back to my roots in the West Country for a weekend was a problem. I needed to live west of the Friday bottleneck at Hammersmith to access the M4, or add two hours to my journey time. Chiswick seemed to fit the brief and 27 years ago I made what I thought would be a temporary move to the area. Chiswick was a very different place then, with what seemed like an older population, very few restaurants, many run down properties and about half a dozen estate agents. Having originally had desires to train as an architect, the prospect of another seven years studying soon put pay to this career path. Instead my employment in estate agency started when I joined Tyser Greenwood. This great company which included one of the original nieces Miss Greenwood (aged 84), was swallowed by Abbey National at a time when banks and building societies saw estate agency as a profitable addition to their other activities. I soon realised that a corporate culture of the bureaucracy, rafts of management, statistics, form filling and meetings left little time to actually sell properties. Fortunately, the opportunity to buy Whitman & Co came up, a well established agency which had been in Chiswick since the 1920’s. I learnt from an early stage that estate agency was very much a people’s business and to this end at Whitman & Co we have the upper hand on our competitors. Uniquely everyone in the office lives locally, the brand is well respected, and our networking unrivalled.

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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Probably the biggest change I’ve seen since I started working in Chiswick, when 80% + of our sales were to local people moving within the area, has been the decrease to around 50% of local sales. Nowadays 30% of the buyers come from Central London. The gentrification of the shopping and restaurant facilities in and around the High Road has been a significant contributing factor and this in turn has seen property prices push up at a remarkable rate. With the election looming next May, one topic of conversation that is receiving a good deal of publicity is the ‘Mansion Tax’. Given the billions of pounds already generated for government coffers by stamp duty – which in my time in the industry has gone from 0% to 7% for the top tier – and also with the lack of movement on the inheritance tax thresholds, it seems unnecessary. To now try to add the Mansion Tax into the mix with no bearing on people’s income is, in my view, a very unfair and short sighted idea. Many people now living in a £2 million pound house are now retired and have not planned for or do not have the income for this proposed tax. Can they not wait for their sizable 40% cut when the time comes, as a property worth £2million, even with the benefit of joint tax relief, still generates over half a million pounds inheritance tax. Politics eh! Please can somebody bring back ‘Spitting Image.’ At least it puts a lighter spin on the facts and there would be no shortage of candidates to fit the brief.

020 8747 8800; whitmanandco.com

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PROPERTY | PROFILE

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AWA R D

WINNING

Hillcrest Road, Acton, W3

ÂŁ1,290,000

This truly exquisite four bedroom home on Hillcrest Road, Acton is a fantastic, newly renovated property. The ground floor comprises of a double reception room and is elegantly presented, a stylish open plan kitchen and dining room with integrated Miele appliances and abundant natural light, this flows out on to a trendy terraced garden. You will also find a basement level with built in utility/storage. Hillcrest Road is perfectly situated for commuters, Acton Town and Ealing common tube (Piccadilly/District) are just a short walk away. www.orchardsoflondon.com Tel: 020 8995 9797 171 Chiswick High Road, Chiswick, London, W4 2DR

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THE ORCHARDS OF LONDON DIFFERENCE

oad, Acton, W3

£1,3

Orchards of London are proud to present to the market this fabulous four bedroom family home located in the ill ill Conservation rea. Showcasing grand ceiling heights and bright, well proportioned rooms. ill ill oad is located just moments away from all the amenities of cton igh Street. Excellent transport links are available from the nearby cton Town (District, Piccadilly) station, whilst motorists will benefit from easy access to the .

Stanway Gardens, Acton, W3

£715 per week

Orchards of London are proud to offer to the rental market this exquisite, four double bedroom, semi-detached family home. With an abundance of period features and natural light throughout, this beautiful property boasts two large reception rooms, one of which one is opening out onto a generous, secluded garden, and a spacious eat-in kitchen fitted with modern appliances. Stanway Gardens is conveniently located just moments away from the open green spaces of Ealing Common. Transport links are available from Ealing Common station (District, Piccadilly). Tenancy charges may vary. All Fees stated are exclusive of VAT. Preparation of Tenancy Agreement &/or Change of Occupancy: £200 (per tenant), deposit, check-in Fee £195 (optional). End of the tenancy agreement: Check out fee of £195 if the property has an inventory conducted on tenancy commencement. Renewal Fee of £195 which falls due after initial fixed term. Contract change £200. Rent advertised does not include any additional services such as council tax, water or utility charges unless stipulated otherwise.

82 High Street, Acton, London, W3 6QX Tel: 020 8997 0076 enquiries@orchardsoflondon.com

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AWA R D

WINNING

u h lace, Chiswick, W4

£5,500 e week

A truly e quisite, eight bedroom family estate providing 00 sq. ft. of beautiful living accommodation set within a vast, walled garden offering total privacy in a tranquil setting. The living quarters consists of two receptions, a formal dining room, and an attractive kitchen. pstairs presents eight double bedrooms of which the master bedroom has a lu urious dressing room and a sublime marble en suite bathroom. This is a phenomenal opportunity to e perience a country living lifestyle in heart of est ondon.

Cleveland Avenue, Chiswick, W4

£1,750,000

A magnificent four bedroom house that boasts over 2400 sq. ft. of living space. The ground floor has a gorgeous open plan kitchen area with wood flooring that flows into a delightful garden, whilst the lower ground floor consists of a vast family room, shower room, utility room with additional access to garden. Cleveland Avenue is superbly located for the cafes, restaurants and boutiques of Chiswick High Road, whilst Turnham Green and Stamford Brook Stations are a short walk away. Tenancy charges may vary. All Fees stated are exclusive of VAT. Preparation of Tenancy Agreement &/or Change of Occupancy: £200 (per tenant), deposit, check-in Fee £195 (optional). End of the tenancy agreement: Check out fee of £195 if the property has an inventory

7 Station Parade, Ealing Common, London, W5 3LD Tel: 020 8992 4242 enquiries@orchardsoflondon.com

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THE ORCHARDS OF LONDON DIFFERENCE

o n

, Ealing, W5

Orchards of London are delighted to present to the rental market this stunning, five bedroom, detached family villa situated on a highly desirable road on the edge of ontpelier park. The ground floor boasts of two reception rooms of which one is opening out onto beautiful secluded, landscaped garden with private swimming pool, a eat-in kitchen fitted with modern appliances and a guest cloakroom. ount venue is conveniently located close to a generous selection of schools as well as selection of trendy cafes, bouti ues and eateries along Ealing Broadway.

Inglis Road, Ealing, W5

£2,450,000

Orchards of London are delighted to present to the market this well appointed, detached, double-fronted Victorian family home in a highly desirable part of Ealing, within walking distance to Ealing Common parkland. Benefiting from an abundance of period features and original wooden flooring, the house has undergone extensive refurbishment this year. There is also great potential for development subject to planning permission, as the property benefits from extensive loft space. conducted on tenancy commencement. Renewal Fee of £195 which falls due after initial fixed term. Contract change £200. Rent advertised does not include any additional services such as council tax, water or utility charges unless stipulated otherwise.

www.orchardsoflondon.com Tel: 020 8995 9797 171 Chiswick High Road, Chiswick, London, W4 2DR

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CLAREVILLE GROVE, SW7 5AU

£2708 pcm

An attractive 2 bedroom apartment located on one of south kensington’s most beautiful tree lined streets. The property comprimises a large open planned reception area with a fully fitted kitchen (washer/dryer and dishwasher), 2 double bedrooms with built in wardrobes providing ample storage space and a 24 hour concierge service. Clareville Court is located moments away from South Kensington Tube Station (district and piccadilly Line) and all the ameinities South Kensington has to offer. Gloucester Road Tube station (district & Piccadilly Line) is also short walk away providing even more choice of shops restaurants and bars. This property is AVAILABLE END OF DECEMBER.

WWW.LONDON-ESTATES.NET 020 8741 8485

61, DALLING ROAD HAMMERSMITH LONDON, W6 OJD OFFICE@LONDON-ESTATES.NET

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PROPERTY | HIGH END HOMES

Prime Purchase VENDOR ADVICE

What is the most up and coming area in your patch?

rentford is the area to keep an eye on as residents and agents alike have all been saying for years that Brentford is the next big area of regeneration. The St. Georges scheme kick started proceedings, swiftly followed by St. James, Bellway and NHHT quickly moved in and have all sold out. Brentford Football Club are moving off Lional Way and Griffin Park will then be transformed into new housing. Hamptons are instructed on a scheme of nine apartments in the Brentford Magistrates House which has also incorporated a new market square for local residents; thus gentrifying this particular part of the high street. We are all waiting to hear if Ballimore get planning for their scheme south of the high street and then Brentford will be transformed and become a truly sought after area.

A beautifully presented late Victorian terraced house

his home has recently undergone extensive remodelling and refurbishment. Boasting generous proportions, this house has been cleverly designed to maximise light with extensive glazing throughout as well as ground level gallery and double height ceiling in dining area. The dĂŠcor is stylish and contemporary while the house is extremely efficient for entertaining and family life, featuring under floor heating, sophisticated sound and lighting systems

and top of the range kitchen appliances. The house is completed by five bedrooms, two bathrooms and a generous west facing rear garden. Bolingbroke Road is a quiet residential family street, which runs through the heart of the Brook Green conservation area. Bolingbroke Road, Brook Green, W14 ÂŁ2,395,000 Freehold Bective Leslie Marsh, Brook Green 020 7603 5181; bective.co.uk

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ADRIAN JOHNSON

Associate Director at Hamptons International, Chiswick

020 8987 8444; hamptons.co.uk

DECEMBER 2014

30/10/2014 14:40

PARK ROAD, W4

ÂŁ1,600,000

A unique four bedroom semi detached house with unobstructed views into Chiswick House Grounds and a magnificent 100' West facing garden. Four bedrooms | Two bathrooms | 26' Through reception room | 16' Fully integrated kitchen/breakfast room | Utility room | Cloakroom | Garden / Music room | Off street parking | 100' West facing landscaped garden. Ideally situated in this prestigious residential road offering close proximity to numerous transport facilities.

SUTTON COURT, W4

ÂŁ850,000

A fantastic opportunity to purchase this light and spacious top floor apartment with far reaching views in this sought after development. Master bedroom with ensuite | Two further double bedrooms | Bathroom | Reception room with bay window and feature gas fireplace | Kitchen/Breakfast room | Communal gardens | Share of freehold | Private road parking | Many period features | Original wood floors | Extensive built in storage. The flat is within walking distance of Chiswick Mainline Station, Chiswick High Road, The River and Chiswick House Grounds. The property also offers easy access to the A4/M4 for routes in and out of London | No Chain.

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MARLBOROUGH ROAD, W4

ÂŁ2,250,000

An adaptable four storey Period house offering over 2500sqft of accommodation with great potential to extend ( STPP ) and ideally located off Chiswick High Road. Currently arranged as two flats under a single freehold title, the property comprises; 2 Bedroom ground floor garden flat | 4 Bedroom upper maisonette with 56' West facing garden | Off street parking | Cellar | Huge potential to extend (subject to necessary consents). Ideally located on this prestigious residential road running south of Chiswick High Road and close to all amenities.

DALE STREET, W4

ÂŁ1,300,000

A stylishly presented and much extended Victorian house located in the sought after 'Glebe Estate' in central Chiswick. Master bedroom with luxury ensuite bathroom | Two further double bedrooms | Office/fourth bedroom | Shower room | Through reception room | Spacious eat in kitchen | Landscaped garden. The property is moments from Chiswick High Road's shops, cafes and restaurants. Transport links include Turnham Green Tube Station, local bus routes and the A4/M4 for routes in and out of London.

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www.ramestateagent.com

THE WOODLANDS,SURREY KT10

£765,000

New to the market is this spacious detached three bedroom bungalow. Situated 1/4 of a mile from Esher train station with direct links to London (Waterloo) and close to well respected primary and secondary schools and one minute to Sandown Racecourse. It comprises of a master bedroom with an en-suite shower room, two further bedrooms and a family bathroom. Large reception room with doors leading to a wonderful South facing garden, study and large kitchen/diner with views overlooking the mature garden.

DARTMOUTH PLACE, W4

£5,500 P/W

Amazingly secluded 9 bedroom detached house situated on 0.6 acres offering country side living in the city. The property briefly compromising of Master bedroom with walk in wardrobe/dressing area and marble en-suite bathroom.

Chiswick Branch

Building 3, Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road Chiswick, London W4 5YA

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KEW BRIDGE COURT, W4

£370 P/W

This spacious and well-presented one bedroom, ground floor apartment boasts comfortable accommodation and a fabulous location moments from Chiswick High Road and the River Thames.

020 3725 4242

chiswick@ramestateagent.com

31/10/2014 15:22

Property News Elm Avenue, W5. £3000 Per Month

PROPERTY | PROFILE

Remarkably warm autumn market EUAN ROLLO

Sales Manager of John D Wood & Co., Chiswick 020 3151 5772; johndwood.co.uk

t this time of year, the dreaded talk of ‘Christmas’ is not too far from people lips, and always signals a quieter time for us agents, though there are still several strong weeks of activity to go before the holidays. The autumn market took a little while to warm up but we have achieved some excellent recent sales, which included several properties in excess of £2,000,000 as well as a lovely house in Gainsborough Road, with its close proximity to the tube offering great transport links.

Gold, Silver and Bronze for Kerr & Co.!

HOUSE HUNTING

with...

JOHN RIGG

Director of Londond Estates, 020 8741 8485; london-estates.net

Property I'd most like on my books and why? No 1 Westbury Rd. We have already sold number 5 this year for the highest £psf in the area. The size of number 1 would make it a real challenge and we think we could move it. Best place to invest? Tricky one to answer, is it for yield, capital growth or a mix of both?

I would probably invest my money in W5 at the moment. The most interesting property I have been involved in is... A hotel sale in Bayswater, whilst conducting a viewing we lost a member of the buyer’s team for 20 minutes the place was so large. The toughest sale and why? A one bedroom flat in Fulham, it had 5 fall throughs, a share of freehold that had been wrongly registered to the vendor as title absolute, a risk assessment for flooding that came back negative on the day of exchange and a lender who pulled their mortgage offer 3 days before exchange, but we still sold for £1000 psf. Finest property showcase... Elm Avenue, W5, £3000 Per Month. An extremely well presented two bedroom apartment over looking Ealing Common. The property boasts a huge private decked terrace and also includes off street parking.

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err & Co. have just swept the board, winning all three awards in the ‘Best Estate Agent in W12’ category from AllAgents. This is the UK's largest truly independent customer review website for the Property Industry (www. allagents.co.uk). The scheme promotes transparency via an independent review page – essentially meaning that agents cannot cherry-pick testimonials and to whom they are made available, making it a true reflection of customer experiences. Please feel free to review our customers’ experiences yourself. Whether you are buying, selling or renting property in Shepherd’s Bush or Hammersmith - Kerr and Co are the obvious choice! Kerr & Co 020 8743 1166; kerrandco.com

DECEMBER 2014

30/10/2014 14:43

PROPERTY | ROUND UP

The INSIDE SCOOP of NEWS in your area An amazing summer for lettings in Chiswick

Autumnal Instructions

SUSIE MCELDOWNEY

RAMSEY CONYERS

Lettings Manager at Winkworth, Chiswick 020 8994 7096; winkworth.co.uk

Office Head Knight Frank, Chiswick 020 3757 6230; knightfrank.co.uk

MINUTES with...

RISTA BACKOVIC

ith prices for property at an all-time high in London, more and more people are looking to rent. So much for it quietening down in Autumn. We’re busier than ever, with a real shortage of quality apartments and houses to let to our ever increasing list of tenants. If you’re a landlord, it’s well worth ensuring that your property is presented in the best possible manner. A beautifully presented property will ensure that we can find you a tenant quickly and that they look after your investment as if it were their own. LET

he new office, based in Shepherd’s Bush was opened by The Worshipful the Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham, Councillor Mercy Umeh. In addition to the fourth office opening, Orchards of London were also celebrating their fifth year of trading since the company first started in 2009. Paul Connolly, Managing Director said, “We would like to thank everyone involved in creating this wonderful office, and to everyone who took the time to make

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

What makes you the go-to-agent in the area? Being both independent and local, we can tailor our approach, offer you a more individual service and use our extensive experience to bring together the right person with the right property. How long have you been in the area? We expanded into Acton in September this year, into Askew Road in 2014 and our first branch opened in Brook Green 22 years ago. What is your company ethos? To start with the best advice and end with the best results; between those two goals we strive to be efficient, ethical and proactively participate in our community.

Huntingdon Gardens, W4 £900 Per Week

Orchards of London opened their fourth office in West London in September

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onsidering the weather feels very autumnal, Chiswick River properties are bucking the trend as demand has stayed high and new properties are being listed daily. We have just been instructed on a stunning 5 bedroom semi-detached house on Hartington Road. These highly sought after houses rarely come to the market and I believe the last time this particular house was sold is over 15 years ago. Families looking for a long term home with large garden on the river need look no further.

Director at Finlay Brewer, Acton 020 8993 6929; finlaybrewer.com

it to our launch - especially The Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham for welcoming us into this wonderful community. It is fantastic to see our company expanding and moving into other parts of West London. We are keen to deliver the Orchards of London difference to Shepherd’s Bush and beyond.” 020 7042 1900; orchardsoflondon.com

What can we expect for the market in the Winter? Concerns about rate increases and the general election may well create some issues for the sales market, but more stable prices means that buyer confidence remains strong. On rentals, we predict an increasingly healthy market.

PRIME LOCATION.COM

SUGGESTS If you’re thinking of selling or letting your home, make sure you choose an agent that will advertise your property on PrimeLocation. The vast majority of agents (over 80%) do advertise with us and understand the importance of making sure that your property gets the exposure it deserves. Find an agent to help sell/let your home here www.primelocation.com/find-agents/

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CARRICK SQUARE TOWNHOUSES NOW RELEASED With spacious flexible accommodation provided over four floors, these six townhouses offer 4/5 bedrooms, generous outside terrace spaces and carefully considered specification. Townhouse prices start from ÂŁ950,000. Call Stubbings Property Marketing to register your interest on 01628 482276 or visit us on www.brentfordlockwest.co.uk CGI for illustrative purposes only.

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31/10/2014 15:20

Absolutely DPS Oct2014_Kerr Westside Ad templates 31/10/2014 16:22 Page 1

75 Goldhawk Road, Shepherd's Bush, London W12 8EH

sales@kerrandco.com

www.kerrandco.com Goldhawk Road, W12 £740,000 LH A contemporary, newly converted, interior designed two bedroom, two bathroom flat offering light and spacious accommodation. The flat provides a master bedroom with en-suite shower room, a second large double bedroom, a family bathroom and utility room. The large reception room incorporates two sets of bifold doors onto the delightful rear garden.

Godolphin Road, W12 £1,525,000 FH A wonderful, spacious four bedroom family home situated on this quiet residential street close to the broad spectrum of local facilities along the Uxbridge Road and Westfield London. The property benefits from naturally light and spacious rooms and offers almost 1,740 square feet of living over three floors.

✆ 020 8743 1166 KERR&CO.indd 1

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www.kerrandco.com Richford Street, W6 £1,400,000 FH A charming flat fronted, three bedroom Victorian terraced house offering flexible accommodation over three floors. The current owners have refurbished the house over recent years and there is further potential to increase the property to the rear subject to the granting of planning permission. The house is presented in excellent condition throughout.

Richford Street, W6 £1,375,000 FH A superb flat-fronted Victorian terraced house, naturally light throughout and retaining many period features. The accommodation provides three bedrooms, and a further study/fourth bedroom, a family bathroom, separate downstairs cloakroom w/c, dual aspect reception room, large eat-in kitchen/dining room and a delightful mature rear garden.

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31/10/2014 16:30

S wor n &C o C H I S W I C K

194 Chiswick High RoadChiswickLondon W4 1PD

Sale, Letting, Survey Valuation of properties in Chiswick www.swornandco.com lettings@swornandco.com 020 8995 3077

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31/10/2014 15:29

Sale, Letting, Survey Valuation of properties in Chiswick

Grove Park, Chiswick £379,950 Share of Freehold A wonderful, individually presented,

ﬁrst ﬂoor apartment in this landmark

block in the heart of Grove Park. The property combines a character feel

with original stripped ﬂoors, feature ﬁreplace, picture rail and windows with creative storage to create an

ideal ﬁrst time buy, pied de terre or rental investment.

Bedford Park £1,400,000 Freehold Located in Bedford Park is this

outstanding, substantial property, sitting on a wide plot with high

ceilings throughout. Currently laid

out as two separate apartments, there is potential to create a single family

dwelling on one of Chiswick’s most sought after tree lined streets.

www.swornandco.com lettings@swornandco.com 020 8995 3077

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featherstoneleigh.co.uk

Sutton Lane South, Chiswick

ÂŁ1,100,000 A larger than average three bedroom Victorian terrace house in a sought after street in Fauconberg Village and beautifully presented throughout. EPC = D.

t: 020 8994 6567

Manor Gardens, Chiswick

ÂŁ795,000 An immaculate, well configured and newly refurbished family home comprising; four double bedrooms, two bathrooms (one en-suite) and a well landscaped garden. EPC = D.

t: 020 8994 6567

Chiswick

Fulham

Clapham

Richmond

Twickenham

Hammersmith

Chelsea

Putney

Kew

Teddington

West Kensington

Battersea

Barnes

Sheen

Kingston

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Elliott Road, Chiswick

£1,850,000 Located on one of Chiswick’s more desirable roads, this five bedroom Victorian end - terraced house is arranged over three floors with many original features retained throughout. EPC = E.

t: 020 8994 6567

Montgomery Road, Chiswick

£950,000 A beautifully presented two bedroom house, meticulously refurbished throughout and located on a corner plot with a well landscaped, decked and turfed wrap around garden. EPC = D.

t: 020 8994 6567

It’s our area... FSL.indd 2

30/10/2014 09:56

www.sintonhomes.com

IN THE LEA OF ST STEPHENS AUTUMN GOLD £1,795,000 Freehold

"THE" PARK HILL DREAMS ARE MADE OF THIS £4,900,000 Freehold

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ESTATE AGENTS & SURVEYORS

Come home to a real house with a visit to this classic detached double fronted 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom period house in great location. Bags of living space, forecourt parking and a marvelous 100' lawned garden. Scope to extend and lots more

This exceptional detached double fronted house is located in Ealing's premier avenue. It has been restored in great detail throughout, regardless of expense, to provide the ultimate home. With about 5400 square feet of family space over 3 floors , a lovely garden with heated pool and so much more

31/10/2014 11:15

BESIDE EALING COMMON TRIP THE LIGHT FANTASTIC A majestic detached double Edwardian residence the childhood home of Margot Fonteyn fondly mentioned in her memoirs and now lovingly restored and offering fabulous family accommodation extending to over 4400 sq ft and all in pristine condition. Lofty elegant reception rooms, 6 Bedrooms plus the Original Billiard Room and lovely 110' landscaped garden

ÂŁ3,250,000 Freehold www.sintonhomes.com / 020 8566 1990 / 8 Springbridge Road, Ealing Broadway, London W5 2AA SINTON_ANDREWS.indd 2

31/10/2014 11:16

FO R SALE

DAL L I N G R OAD W 6 £1,200,000 FREEHOLD • • • • •

An early Victorian country cottage in London Magical charm 2 double bedrooms Luxury refitted bathroom Double reception room

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• • • • •

Kitchen with Rayburn Generous and secluded south facing garden Fully decorated attic store room / study room Good scope for further extension subject to PP 1052 sq ft / 98 sq m approx. EPC - G

30/10/2014 10:19

FO R SALE

P E R C Y R OAD W 1 2 £1,250,000 FREEHOLD • • • • •

An extended Victorian family house 4 double bedrooms Bathroom and shower room en suite Double reception room Wide kitchen / dining room

PHILIP_WOOLLER.indd 2

• • • • •

Cloakroom / utility room West facing garden Good storage and side access Close to Askew Road shops and Ravenscourt Park 1601 sq ft / 149 sq m approx. EPC - D

30/10/2014 10:19

Smart doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t settle for less than the best price. Make sure your agent is on Zoopla.

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28/10/2014 15:03 10:23 21/10/2014

S U N B U RY- O N - T H A M E S

Perfect homes. Perfect location. Selling now.

SUNBURY-ON-THAMES Fordbridge Road TW16 6AP 2, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes from £399,995

• Stunning, gated development with a contemporary twist

Marketing Suite and Show Home open daily 10am – 5pm

• Spacious, high-specification homes • Ideally located in a leafy suburb, with excellent schools and transport links to London

0844 644 2986

lindenhomes.co.uk/velareplace

Photographs show the local area and typical Linden homes. Interiors may include optional upgrades or extras available at additional cost. Details and price correct at time of going to press. LINDENHOMES.indd 1

30/10/2014 09:50

Woodhurst Road, W3

ÂŁ595,000 Share of Freehold

This stunning two bedroom garden maisonette is in excellent condition situated on a popular residential tree lined road located in the beautiful Poets Corner. This period conversion property comprises of a large reception room & dining space with fireplace and bay window, two bedrooms, south facing private garden, family bathroom, fully fitted kitchen, also benefiting from its own front door and an impressive out building study room in the garden, this wonderful home is a Must View. EPC=D Acton | 020 8993 6767 | acton@bushells.com

Mrytle Road, W3

ÂŁ565,000 Share of Freehold

This stunning three bedroom Victorian conversion is set in a wonderful Victorian house located on the first floor. This beautiful property offers three bedrooms, open plan reception room with modern kitchen and dining space, family bathroom and plenty of storage. Further benefits of a big loft space. Myrtle Road is within easy reach of all amenities, shops, bars and restaurants of Churchfield Road with the Acton Central (Overground), Acton Main Lane (Future Cross Rail) moments away and Acton Town Tube close by. EPC=D Acton | 020 8993 6767 | acton@bushells.com

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Gayford Road, W12

399,950, Share of Freehold

Set with a period conversion is this well presented and decorated one bedroom lower ground floor flat. Being ideally located in the Wendell Park area of Shepherds Bush, just off Askew Road and having Stamford Brook as the closest Tube Station. The accommodation comprises; kitchen, separate reception, bathroom, double bedroom and patio garden. The property benefits from being Share of Freehold and having No Upward Chain. Ideal for First Time Buyers or Investment, Viewing is highly recommended. EPC - D Hammersmith | 020 8563 0123 | hammersmith@bushells.com

Stamford Brook Road, W6

ÂŁ295,000, Share of Freehold

Situated on the tree lined Stamford Brook Road on the first floor of a period conversion is this well presented and decorated Studio Apartment. The property would be ideal for a first home or buy to let investment and is ideally located close to Stamford Brook Tube Station with the amenities of Askew Road close by. Accommodation comprises; newly redecorated communal entrance hallway, reception/bedroom with kitchen area, separate shower room. Viewing is highly recommended. EPC - C Hammersmith | 020 8563 0123 | hammersmith@bushells.com

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Lincoln Lodge, SW14 £288 per week

Grange Road, W4 £358 per week

A beautifully presented one double bedroom modern apartment. Reception with doors onto a private balcony, kitchen with washer / dryer, induction hob, fridge freezer, microwave, oven and a dishwasher. Available immediately. EPC C

Two bedroom conversion flat with good size reception. Modern bathroom, loft space with potential to use as a study. EPC E

Oliver Close, W4 £461 per week

Bollo Lane, W4 £300 per week

“LET BY” Similar properties required! Three bedroom semi detached house with pretty garden, off St Parking in the Strand on the Green area. EPC C

“LET BY” First floor bright and airy one bedroom conversion with use of the garden. Modern bathroom, roomy living space, eat in kitchen. EPC D

www.gordonlindsayassociates.com 020 8400 2726 / email info@gordonlindsayassociates.com

or visit the “register” section of the website and submit your details and questions.

Gordon Lindsay Associates, Gable House, 18-24 Turnham Green Terrace, W4 1QP GORDON LINDSAY.indd 2

03/11/2014 12:59

New Release FAU L KNE R

HO U SE

The new collection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses at London’s most prestigious riverside location, Fulham Reach. Each apartment features a private balcony or terrace, elegant interiors and residents will also benefit from an exclusive private members’ club featuring a beautiful spa, gymnasium, swimming pool, wine cellar, virtual golf and a cinema screening room.

Apartments and Penthouses available from £769,950 - £3,799,950* Fulham Reach Riverside Show Apartments and Marketing Suite, Distillery Road, London W6 9RU +44 (0) 207 870 9500 | enquiries@fulhamreach.co.uk

www.fulhamreach.co.uk Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of Companies

Computer generated images for illustrative purposes only. *Prices and details correct at time of going to press.

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28/10/2014 27/10/2014 10:20 15:01

Living the Dream The MOST LUXURIOUSLY appointed PROPERTIES on the market

St Leonards Road, W15

ÂŁ2,750,000 Freehold

A beautifully appointed and very tastefully presented detached family home set on a popular tree lined avenue close to Ealing Broadway The excellent family living space includes seven bedrooms; three of which have en-suite facilities. The kitchen and family room works as the heart of the house with a wonderful open plan kitchen/preparation area, seating and dining areas and direct access to the garden. One of the double bedrooms is currently used as a dedicated gym, with

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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another used as a study, making the upper floor accommodation very adaptable to individual needs. The decoration throughout is extremely stylish & uniformed and fittings are of a very high standard. Hamptons International, Ealing 020 8840 4545; hamptons.co.uk

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PROPERTY | IDEAL HOMES

Birch Grove, W5 £1,850,000 Freehold

Fulham Reach, W6 £1,800,000

A beautifully designed semi-detached gated home set over four floors and offering in excess of 2,600 sq ft. Built to an incredibly high specification, the property offers four bedrooms, two reception rooms and two bathrooms and is situated just a stone’s throw from Ealing Common station. In addition, it further offers off-street parking.

This stunning two-bed apartment enjoys river views on an exclusive waterfront location; a stone's throw away from Hammersmith station. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, this impressive flat also offers two stylish bathrooms, modern kitchen and reception area leading onto South West facing balcony. Residents also benefit from the luxurious facilities on offer, including gym, swimming pool, wine cellar, virtual golf and much more. Long lease.

KFH, Ealing 020 8799 3890; kfh.co.uk

Bushells, Hammersmith 020 8563 0123; bushells.com

Bazalgette Court, W6 £1,400,000

Elm Grove Road, W5 £3,250,000 Freehold

This two bedroom penthouse apartment is situated in this unique listed building. On the ground floor there is a master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, a further double bedroom, main bathroom and a luxurious open-plan reception/kitchen. On the top floor is a second reception with panoramic river views and a fabulous wrap around terrace. Further benefits inlcude gated parking and concierge, and the potential to extend stc planning.

This exceptional house is in the grounds of Elm Grove, once the estate of Spencer Perceval, the former Prime Minister. The six bedroom house has been restored and now offers over 4300 sq ft over three floors. Gas central heating is assisted by quality double glazing within rebuilt original style sash and casement windows. Highlights include two elegant reception rooms, the conservatory, billiard room, garage, sweep drive and landscaped 110’ rear garden.

Featherstone Leigh, Chiswick 020 8744 0595; featherstoneleigh.co.uk

Sinton Andrews 020 8566 1990; sintonhomes.com

Spotlight on W13

Average asking price - £655,251 | Average asking rent - £1,808 pcm | Average property value - £662,793

Data provided by

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DECEMBER 2014

30/10/2014 14:47

Chelsea&Fulham

Trim size 210 x 297mm - RHP

KEEP THAT SUMMER FEELING SUMMER MAY BE COOLING OFF, SO SELL YOUR HOME WHILST THE HOUSING MARKET’S STILL STRONG

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Chelsea&Fulham

Trim size 210 x 297mm - RHP

WE KNOW THAT CHOOSING TO LIVE IN LONDON IS A LIFESTYLE CHOICE AS MUCH AS A CONVENIENCE. THEATRES, MULTI NATIONAL CUISINE, FARMERS MARKETS AND VINTAGE FAIRS. EACH VILLAGE BOASTS INDIVIDUAL APPEAL. LONDON WILL ALWAYS MIMIC THE CHANGES OF ITS RESIDENTS... ...SO WILL WE. fjlord.co.uk SALES

MAGNOLIA ROAD, W4

SALES

£699,950

LAWFORD ROAD, W4

£1,650,000

Loved by its owners for the easy access to the river and Strand on the Green, with local shops, pubs and restaurants right on their doorstep. This happy three bedroom home has been extended to the rear and into the loft, and now offers two reception rooms.

The owner of this four bedroom, 2000 sq ft family home loves the impressive open plan living space and master bedroom suite, with doors out to their very own private balcony; perfect for breakfast on a clear morning.

CHISWICK 020 8747 8601

HEATHFIELD COURT, W4

Ref: FJL035900380 | EPC –C

£499,950

BLANDFORD ROAD, W4

Ref: FJL035900404 | EPC –C

£830,000

Heathfield Court is a hugely desirable location, just off the Chiswick High Road and comes dutifully maintained, with an elevator facility. This one bedroom apartment has been refurbished throughout allowing you to move straight in.

The absolutely fantastic interior of this split level two bedroom flat sets it apart from the competition, and the location is hard to beat as it sits on a quiet residential road in Bedford Park, Chiswick, just a moment’s stroll from Turnham Green tube station.

CHISWICK 020 8747 8601

SALES.CHISWICK@FJLORD.CO.UK

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Ref: FJL035900401 | EPC –C

Ref: FJL035900297 | EPC –E

FJLORD.CO.UK

29/10/2014 11:23

ACTON

27 CHURCHFIELD ROAD W3 6BD

ASKEW ROAD

113 ASKEW ROAD W12 9AS

BROOK GREEN

138 SHEPHERDS BUSH ROAD W6 7PB

LOCAL

020 8749 7719

INDEPENDENT

INVOLVED

CMYK

ASHCHURCH VILLAS W12

PRICE ON APPLICATION

4 BEDROOMS  2 RECEPTION ROOMS  KITCHEN/DINING ROOM  3 BATHROOMS STUDY  UTILITY ROOM  GARAGE  GARDEN  EPC RATED

GAYFORD ROAD W12

PRICE ON APPLICATION

4 BEDROOMS  2 RECEPTION ROOMS  FULL WIDTH KITCHEN  DINING ROOM  2 BATHROOMS 10 YEAR BUILD WARRANTY  UNDER FLOOR HEATING  GARDEN  EPC RATING B86

www.finlaybrewer.co.uk

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31/10/2014 15:36

020 8993 6929

LOCAL

ACTON

27 CHURCHFIELD ROAD W3 6BD

ASKEW ROAD

113 ASKEW ROAD W12 9AS

BROOK GREEN

138 SHEPHERDS BUSH ROAD W6 7PB

INDEPENDENT

INVOLVED CMYK

DORDRECHT ROAD W3

GUIDE £875,000 FREEHOLD

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY  3 BEDROOMS  RECEPTION ROOM  KITCHEN  DINING ROOM BATHROOM  GARDEN  DOUBLE GARAGE  LOFT CONVERSION STPP  EPC RATING D58

VESPAN ROAD W12

GUIDE £850,000 FREEHOLD

3 BEDROOMS  2 RECEPTION ROOMS  KITCHEN  DINING ROOM BATHROOM  GARDEN  CELLAR  EPC RATING E49

www.finlaybrewer.co.uk *Administration fee 150 inc VAT per person, other costs apply. For more information go to:www.finlaybrewer.co.uk/tenant-costs/

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Chiswick Staithe, W4

£1,800,000 Freehold

An excellent four bedroom two bathroom riverside home enjoying a south westerly aspect over the river toward Kew. Parking space, 39’ garden ending with 23’ decked area overhanging the river. EPC rating = C

• Popular riverside development • South Westerly aspect • Four bedrooms

• 31’ family/kitchen room • Spacious reception room • 39’ garden & 23’ decked area

• Parking • Close to Chiswick Mainline • Freehold

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31/10/2014 17:25

Beaumont Road, W4

£1,595,000 Freehold

Burlington Road, W4

£899,950 Freehold

A tastefully refurbished ﬁve bedroom three bathroom Victorian house in this popular residential road close to Chiswick Park tube and the amenities of Chiswick High Road. Freehold. EPC rating = C.

A beautifully presented and well located three bedroom garden ﬂat set within this handsome Victorian house only a few moments’ walk from Gunnersbury station. Off street parking, and wonderful 85’ garden. Share of freehold. EPC rating = D.

Grove Park Gardens, W4

Devonhurst Place, W4

£599,950 Leasehold

A wonderful first floor two bedroom conversion flat in this imposing Victorian house located in one of Grove Park’s premier roads. Many period details. Long lease. EPC rating = D.

£1,150,000 SoF

A rare opportunity to acquire a two bedroom two bathroom fifth floor apartment in this sought after residential building located in the heart of Chiswick. Communal top floor roof terrace, communal south facing garden, secure underground parking and porterage. EPC rating = C.

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31/10/2014 17:25

Ramillies Road, W4

£1,700,000 Freehold

A well presented and wider than average Edwardian semi-detached house in this convenient location only a short walk from Turnham Green tube and the Chiswick High Road. Ideal for the downsizer looking for accommodation over two levels or the young family looking for a long term home. • Excellent location • Sought after residential road • Close to Turnham Green tube

• Wider than average • Good lateral space • Scope to extend (stpp)

• Two reception rooms • Four bedrooms • Side access to mature garden

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31/10/2014 17:27

Dukes Avenue, W4

£2,500,000 Freehold

A wonderful opportunity to acquire this family house occupying arguably one of the best positions in Dukes Avenue with a west facing rear garden enjoying uninterrupted aspects over gardens towards the west.

• Prime central location • Semi-detached family house • in excess of 2,780 sq ft

• Wonderful west facing garden • Six bedrooms • Two reception rooms

• Vaulted kitchen • Off street parking • Freehold

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A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

CHISWICK POINT, W4

ÂŁ699,950

This two bedroom apartment is due for completion around March 2015. Chiswick Point is proving to be a very popular development with people looking for a great place to live and buy to let investors. Top quality fittings and a lovely balcony overlooking the nature reserve round off this great apartment. New development | Two bedrooms | Balcony | Overlooking nature reserve | Concierge | Close to Tube and Chiswick Business Park

CHISWICK | 020 8994 7096 chiswick@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/chiswick

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03/11/2014 18:01

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

ASHLAR COURT, RAVENSCOURT GARDENS, HAMMERSMITH, W6

ÂŁ1,500,000 LEASEHOLD

A stunning two bedroom, two bathroom apartment converted from the original ballroom within the Grade II listed Ashlar Court which was designed and built in the 1930s and located in Ravenscourt Gardens. The property has undergone a complete transformation and will offer a fabulous open plan living space with original wood panelling and fireplace. This property also benefits from a private garden in addition to access to the communal gardens and two allocated parking spaces. 2 Bedrooms | Open Plan Living/Dining/Kitchen Space | Bathroom | En Suite Bathroom | Garden | Two Allocated Parking Spaces | EPC: C

HAMMERSMITH | 020 7371 4466 hammersmith@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/hammersmith

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03/11/2014 18:01

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

LD SO

WINDERMERE ROAD W5 ÂŁ1,100,000 Sold to a local Ealing buyer. The property is most conveniently located within easy reach of South Ealing and Northfields tube stations as well as the wide ranging amenities of Ealing Broadway. This home offers comfortable accommodation on all floors and features a glazed conservatory to provide added living space. Furthermore, the property offers a westerly facing landscaped rear garden. More similar properties required. Desirable Location | Generous Accommodation | Landscaped Garden | Adjoining Lammas Park | EPC: D

EALING & ACTON | 020 8896 0123 ealing@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/ealing-and-acton

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03/11/2014 18:01

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

ELLINGHAM ROAD, W12 £1,200,000 Filled with original period detail and yet ripe for your grand design this house demands your attention. The accommodation comprises four bedrooms, a grand double reception room, a kitchen diner and a bathroom. In addition there is a substantial basement just crying out for development. The cherry on the icing of our charming cake is a private West facing garden. Perfection? Possibly. Four Bedrooms | Period Features | West Facing Garden | Potential to Extend (STC) | EPC: F

SHEPHERD’S BUSH & ACTON | 020 8735 3266 shepherdsbush@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/shepherds-bush

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03/11/2014 18:01

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

ST ELMO ROAD, W12 £450 PER WEEK

ST STEPHENS AVENUE, W12 £800 PER WEEK

An incredibly spacious three double bedroom upper maisonette with private roof terrace.

A stunning Victorian town house arranged over four floors offering almost 2300 sq ft of accommodation.

Three Bedrooms | Double Reception Room | Modern Kitchen | Bathroom | Roof

Five Bedrooms | Three Bathrooms | Double Reception Room | Family/Dining

Terrace | EPC: E

Room | Modern Kitchen | Garden | EPC: D

For more information on this property call:

Shepherd’s Bush office | 020 8735 3255

DEVONHURST PLACE, W4 £400 PER WEEK

BEAUMONT COURT, W4

Charming spacious one bedroom flat in this prestigious gated development with views over the Green.

Stylish two double bedroom apartment in this sought after block close to the Green.

1 bedroom | Sitting/open plan kitchen | High quality bathroom | Secure

Wood floors | Newly refurbished kitchen and bathroom | Furnished | Use of

underground parking | Furnished | Available now | EPC: C

communal gardens and outdoor pool | Available mid end December | EPC: C

For more information on this property call:

Chiswick office | 020 8994 7096

£475 PER WEEK

WITH 60 OFFICES IN THE CAPITAL ALONE. WE’VE GOT LONDON COVERED winkworth.co.uk

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03/11/2014 16:35

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

RAVENSCOURT GARDENS, W6

£575 PER WEEK

SINCLAIR ROAD, W14 £450 PER WEEK

Stunning 2 bedroom apartment set within Ashlar Court, a Grade II listed building in Ravenscourt Gardens.

Superb 2 bedroom top floor flat in a Victorian townhouse with easy access to local shops and transport.

2 Bedrooms | Large reception | Open plan kitchen | Bathroom | En suite shower

EPC: D

For more information on this property call:

Hammersmith office | 020 7371 4466

TRING AVENUE, W5

MOUNT PARK CRESCENT, W5

£1,384 PER WEEK

£1,153 PER WEEK

Most attractive detached residence in Ealing Common with the benefit of gated forecourt parking for three cars.

An amazing family home located within very close proximity of Ealing Broadway with ample off-street parking to the front.

Set over three floors | Five Bedrooms | Two Bathrooms | Cellar | Large double

En-suite to master bedroom | Fees Apply | EPC: D

reception room | Eat-in kitchen | Fees Apply | EPC: E

For more information on this property call:

Ealing & Acton office | 020 8896 0123

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

winkworth.co.uk

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03/11/2014 16:35

PROPERTY | ASPIRATIONAL LIVING

Luxurious Lettings

LOWDOWN FOR LANDLORDS

How is the rental fee calculated?

he rental fee is a percentage of the annual rent, ARLA standard is 10% for tenant finding. The rental fee is calculated by the amount of rent per week (say £500 pw), times by the number of weeks of the tenancy (52 weeks); this calculates the total rental income achieved (£26,000 pa). From this you then calculate 10% of the annual rental income (£2,600), this figure is how much your rental fee will be. (VAT is applicable on fees). Bective Leslie Marsh unlike other agents, take their fees as and when the rent is collected, generally monthly. This service gives us a competitive advantage, as most corporate estate agencies charge in advance of the term.

An exceptionally high spec, newly built duplex apartment

ffering fantastic views along the River Thames and the benefit of a private terrace and superb landscaped gardens. This fabulous apartment offers two very large bedrooms and is built on one of the few undeveloped stretches of riverside in Central London. The famous Kings Road is just around the corner and for added convenience there is Sainsburys superstore right on the developments doorstep. In addition the development will have a 24-

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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hour concierge, onsite fitness suite, outdoor gym and café. The nearest transport links can be found just a few minutes walk away at Imperial Wharf Station or across the bridge at Wandsworth Town. Ravensbourne Apartments, Fulham Riverside, SW6 £700 Per Week Bective Leslie Marsh, Brook Green 020 7603 5181; bective.co.uk

FIONA MONGEY

Lettings Director Bective Leslie Marsh

020 7221 5388; bective.co.uk

152 03/11/2014 09:58

KnightFrank.co.uk

Bedford Park, Chiswick W4

A unique semi detached house with exceptional finish A recently renovated family home which has been restored to an impeccable standard throughout. Originally designed by the architect E.J May in 1894, it has been sympathetically extended to link the original stables and coach house to the rear and offers approximately 4,373 sq ft ﴾406 sq m﴿ of lateral living space. EPC rating D. Freehold.

KnightFrank.co.uk/Chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230

Guide Price £3,250,000 (RCH140166)

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KnightFrank.co.uk

Hartington Road, Chiswick W4

An exceptional semi-detached Victorian river property In excellent condition throughout, this charming riverside property comprises of five double bedrooms, a double reception room, bespoke kitchen, breakfast bar and large open plan living and dining area and a stunning 225ft garden leading to a purpose built studio and riverside terrace. EPC rating E.

Knightfrank.co.uk/Chiswick Chiswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230

Freehold. Guide Price: £3,499,950 (CWK140022)

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Glebe Street

Elliott Road

Homefield Road Priory Avenue Woodstock Road

Thornton Avenue

Speldhurst Road

Newton Grove

WHEREVER you are looking to sell, Knight Frank can help Our team in Chiswick pride themselves on exceptional service, to take the stress out of finding the right buyer for your home. For further information or to request a free market appraisal contact Ramsey Conyers on +44 20 3757 6230 @chiswick_w4 KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick KNIGHT_FRANK.indd 3

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GYM AWARDS 2014 WINNER OF

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Call 020 8740 4599

www.theparkclub.co.uk

The Park Club East Acton Lane West London W3 7HB

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